GreenCorp has announced that it has acquired Emad Bakeries, an industrial bakery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, strengthening its food-focused investment platform within the GCC.
Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) created Green Corp has a mandate to invest in high-growth, demand-driven, scalable and sustainable food businesses across the GCC.
Emad Bakeries, meanwhile, operates the largest industrial fresh flatbread bakery in western Saudi Arabia.
This acquisition will enable the company to expand its operations into new parts of the Kingdom, it was shared.
The strategic acquisition of Emad Bakeries boosts GreenCorp’s investments in food processing operations, adding to the recent expansion of its controlled environment agriculture company Badia Farms in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain.
Mohammed Alhassan, co-founder and co-CEO of GII, commented: “Acquiring Emad Bakeries represents a significant step forward in our growth strategy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are confident that Emad Bakeries’ heritage and commitment to quality will resonate deeply with our customers in Saudi Arabia”.
Pankaj Gupta, fellow GII co-Founder and co-CEO, said: “Adding Emad Bakeries to Green Corp’s managed portfolio is a strategic move that aligns perfectly our vision of establishing GreenCorp as a comprehensive GCC food investment platform, encompassing the entire nutritional value chain, and enhancing Gulf food security. We aim to make further acquisitions in the Kingdom, as we build Green Corp’s asset portfolio”.
RidgePoint Advisors acted as sole financial advisor to Emad Bakeries, and King & Spalding alongside AlAmmar Law Firm acted as legal advisors.
Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah), the real estate arm of the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), has announced a strategic partnership with Badia Farms, which will see several million dollars invested in a new sustainable farm in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Badia Farms focuses on the development and production of different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and plants and was the first commercial high-tech vertical farm in the Gulf region to produce fresh fruits & vegetables year-round.
Its objective is to transform conventional farm growing methods across the GCC through technology, science and innovation, it was shared.
Badia Farms secured the land for its project in Hamala, Bahrain, through a bidding process on the Government Land Investment Platform.
Under the agreement, Badia Farms will lease an area of 50,000 sq.m. from Edamah to implement sustainable and urban farming practices.
It will produce a diverse range of fresh fruit and vegetables by implementing the latest hydroponic farming techniques.
It will recycle water and biodegradable matter for reuse in the project, while solar panels will be used to generate energy.
Utilising hydroponic systems in controlled environments (such as greenhouses), the company said it will be able to ensure year-round crop production, reducing dependence on seasonal variations, with the overarching aim of enhancing Bahrain’s food security and addressing the challenges of limited arable land and water scarcity.
The agreement was signed by Chris Calvert and Eng. Omar Al Jundi, the CEOs of Edamah and Badia Farms respectively, in the presence of Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister for Sustainable Development and CEO of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Edamah, Mohammed Alhassan and Pankaj Gupta – co-Founders and co-CEOs of Gulf Islamic Investments Group (GII) – and Saleh Albelushi, a Green Corp director.
His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Edamah, commented: “This collaboration with Badia Farms marks a transformative step for Bahrain’s agricultural sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term economic growth. It will contribute to Bahrain’s self-sufficiency in food production by using cutting-edge technologies for a greener future, whilst creating employment and business opportunities for Bahrainis.”
Adding: “This foreign direct investment on Edamah’s land, channeled specifically towards innovative agricultural practices, showcases our confidence in Badia Farms’ approach and underscores the potential for further growth and development within the sector.”
Eng Omar Al Jundi said: “Our partnership with Edamah allows Badia Farms to bring pioneering hydroponic farming techniques to Bahrain, redefining sustainable agriculture. Together, we aim to build a resilient food system, focusing on environmental management and food security.”
Majid Al Futtaim is expanding its food rescue programme ‘Feed the Future’ for Ramadan.
The company will leverage brands across its business to reduce food waste and manage surplus. It is teaming up with technology platform Replate, restaurant partners at Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls, and other brands, including VOX Cinemas and Crate and Barrel, to schedule and manage surplus food donations throughout the month.
Likewise, by collaborating with UAE Food Bank, it will facilitate pickups to ensure that contributions reach charitable organisations and groups.
‘Feed the Future’ was initially launched as a pilot project at flagship Mall of the Emirates across two months, which resulted in over 2,000 meals recovered daily, saving 15kg of food daily, conserving 2.28 million litres of water, and diverting 2,050kg of CO2 from the environment.
Indeed, according to Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, each day in the UAE, it is estimated that around 38 per cent of food prepared is wasted, and this figure goes even higher during Ramadan.
When this food decomposes, it emits methane – 25 times more damaging than CO2.
Commenting on the announcement, Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director, of the UAE Shopping Malls, at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “We are pleased to partner with the UAE Food Bank and Replate to combat food waste this Ramadan. This initiative aims to minimise waste, and distribute food surplus to beneficiaries nationwide, while reinforcing our commitment to becoming Net Positive by 2040, and aligning with the UAE’s values of generosity and benevolence. We urge all F&B outlets to join us in this cause during the Holy Month, to contribute to food security, and a sustainable future for all.”
Hachem Mahfoud, Strategy & Partnerships at Replate, said: “Our partnership with Majid Al Futtaim on the Feed the Future initiative pioneered by Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls has been nothing short of progressive. We have been working closely with them and the UAE Food Bank to innovate the food rescue model and implement this group-wide initiative at Majid Al Futtaim.”
Adding: “While food insecurity may not be a prevalent issue in the UAE, ensuring access to nutritious food and mitigating climate change remains a top priority and shared vision for all of us. The success of the community fridge model proves that fostering the right partnerships and building trust is crucial for moving forward. Through technology and innovation, we are confident that we can further enhance and scale food recovery programs such as Feed the Future in the UAE, making a positive impact on communities and the environment.”
ne’ma, the UAE National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, has announced the launch of its nationwide Ramadan campaign, “Count Your ne’ ma.”
The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage actionable steps to reduce food loss and waste during the holy month.
The month-long campaign follows insights recently collected by ne’ma, which found that 85 per cent of participants recognise food waste as a crucial national issue.
Research also shows that, globally, roughly eight per cent of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food waste.
Key elements of the “Count Your ne’ma” campaign include behaviour change initiatives to drive new social norms and sustainable practices on the individual level.
It will be supported by collaboration with hospitality industry partners, regulatory bodies, and food banks to distribute imperfect surplus fresh produce to support communities, prevent food waste, and contribute to food security.
It shared that over 270 sector partners are registered and reporting data on the ne’ma Data Hub, including leading hotel chains Hilton, Accor, Rotana, Marriott, and Jumeirah, among others.
This year, ne’ma and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Safety Authority (ADAFSA) are strategically collaborating on the “Together Blessings Last” Ramadan trial for the hospitality sector.
The trial aims to measure and report actual food waste levels during Ramadan and identify Ramadan-specific behaviours to establish recommendations. Indeed, from this, a comprehensive trial report will be published highlighting sector-specific Ramadan challenges and best practices, and “industry champions” will be recognised.
Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and “ne’ma” Committee Secretary General, commented: “Count Your ne’ma” is a call to action for individuals, businesses, government entities, and communities to unite and make a difference. Through simple changes in behaviours and mindful consumption practices, we can all play a role in ending food waste.”
Adding: “ne’ma reflects the UAE leadership’s vision and call to action to reduce food waste, encourage social responsibility, and promote sustainable practices. As we observe Ramadan, we must be mindful of the significant food waste issue that’s often associated with the holy month. Our ‘Count Your ne’ma’ campaign reminds us of our collective responsibility to reflect and replace existing wasteful habits with others that are more aligned with the Emirati values of moderation, consideration, and mindfulness. We invite everyone to join our movement and work towards making the UAE a country where no food is wasted because we can all contribute to this ambitious effort.”
Hundreds of organisations have signed the ne’ma pledge, and in 2023, ne’ma diverted over one million kgs of food from landfills, saving 2.4 million kgs of CO2 emissions.
Further, since 2022, the application of ne’ma’s behavioural nudges has resulted in an up to 62 per cent reduction in food waste.
Dubai Municipality has launched ‘Dubai’s Best Homegrown Produce Competition’, an initiative aimed at supporting citizen farmers and promoting local agriculture to increase local production and enhance food security in the Emirate.
One of the programs under Dubai Farms, Dubai Municipality, shared that it targets a number of areas, including the promotion of a productive agriculture culture, environmental sustainability, and self-sufficiency, alongside raising community awareness about the latest methods and techniques in agriculture.
The prizes will amount to AED 100,000, which will be awarded to the first three centers divided into:
- AED 50,000 for the first winner,
- AED 30,000 for the second, and
- AED 20,000 for the third.
Further, a Medal of Dubai’s Best Homegrown Produce, will be placed by Dubai Municipal Leaders at the front of the winning garden.
The winners of the competition will be announced in May 2024.
Muhammad Abdul Rahman Al-Awadi, Director of Agriculture Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality is focused on the goal of supporting community practices, which motivates both citizens and residents to produce sustainable local agriculture. It is a pivotal factor in the efforts to ensure the sustainability of the food security system and environmental resources. The commitment comes in support of the National Food Security Strategy goals, as well as Dubai Food Security Strategy, which aims at improving domestic production and reducing food loss and wastage, further consolidating the Emirate’s position as the world’s leading destination that combines aesthetic, environmental and food sustainability.”
“The Municipality offers essential facilities to implement initiatives and programs to support the success of citizens’ agricultural projects and encourage them to make use of available spaces in their gardens thus boosting proportions of the contributions made by small-scale domestic agricultural enterprises towards Dubai’s domestic product ranges. It further aims to improve the quality of life and happiness of the members of the society,” Al-Awadi added.
There is a one-month period to register for this competition and participants must share the details of their cultivated items, irrigation methods, and a picture of the garden.
All kinds of owners (property or lease) with home gardens are eligible to participate in the competition, however, owners of farmlands, members of the Supreme or Technical Committee, or other subcommittees are not.
On assessment criteria, a number of factors will be considered, including the use of organic fertilisers, the reduction of chemical fertilisers and soil free of weeds, and ensuring the safety of plant varieties from pests and diseases through integrated control methods.
Proper waste disposal and recycling of agricultural waste, will also be considered.
The criteria also highlight points such as:
- Rationalising resource consumption of both water and electricity,
- The use of solar energy,
- The application of advanced irrigation systems,
- The preservation of quality and hygiene, and
- The recycling of irrigation water.
Elsewhere, the diversity of plants grown and the balance of plants in the garden are highlighted in the criteria to ensure overall appearance.
In addition, the criteria set standards for the type and quality of production, maintaining the garden’s hygiene, security, and safety measures such as guarding power lines, irrigation sockets, and service corridors within the park, and the requirement for an innovative and unique idea.
It was shared that Dubai Municipality will provide a package of services and facilities to support its national farmers through the Dubai Farms Program.
It will provide agricultural extension services, control agricultural pests and necessary laboratory tests, competitive prices for agricultural supplies, machinery, and irrigation systems, and prepare the production agriculture strategy for Dubai, it was shared.
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) recently held a ceremony at its headquarters to celebrate International Women’s Day and the graduation of the third cohort of fellows of the Arab Women Leaders in Agriculture (AWLA) program.
The AWLA program serves as a platform for early- and mid-career women professionals across agricultural disciplines to exchange ideas and experiences and collaborate on various projects targetting enhancing food, water, and nutrition security regionally.
It is the first of its kind in the MENA region.
The third edition of AWLA, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, included a mix of virtual and e-learning courses targeted at improving the fellows’ research, leadership and project management skills.
Twenty women scientists from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, and the UAE completed an eight-month program.
It was highlighted that empirical evidence indicates that, regionally, a disproportionately low number of women work in senior research and leadership positions. In fact, the average share of women researchers across the region stands at 17 per cent, which is the lowest in the world.
ICBA shared that this gap is most visible in the staffing of agricultural research and extension organisations.
“This means that policy and investment measures in agriculture might not be as effective as they could be because they do not fully reflect gender perspectives.”
The AWLA was designed to narrow this gap in 2016 through a partnership between ICBA, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
It launched in 2019, also supported by the CGIAR Research Program on Wheat in 2019.
The first and second cohorts of fellows included 38 women scientists from seven countries: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, and the UAE.
Speaking about the current landscape, H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Chair of ICBA’s Board of Directors, said: “Although women constitute, on average, about 43 percent of the agricultural labor force in developing countries, they have fewer rights and resources; less than 20 percent of the world’s landholders are women. Alas, the situation in science is similarly disheartening. Approximately, 30 percent of the world’s researchers are women. While these figures are sobering, they should not deter us from continuing to work towards our shared goal. If anything, we must intensify our efforts to address gender inequality in all its forms. After all, closing the gender gap will not only bolster sustainable growth and innovation, but is also considered an economic imperative.”
Ultimately, the program’s long-term goal is to improve food security and nutrition in the region by empowering women researchers.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, commented: “The AWLA program supports the research showing that women are critical for innovation and opens doors for more opportunities in the research and development sector not only in the Middle East and North Africa but globally as well. This is tackled in the program by equipping women scientists from the region with skills and resources to advance their personal and professional growth. But we are also working on other initiatives that address gender issues at various levels. At COP28, we launched a new global initiative called the Women Alliance for Climate Action in Agriculture to mobilize efforts and partners for driving women-led climate action around the world.”
In recent years, food production and availability challenges have multiplied in the MENA, driven by a number of crises. Climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war have all depleted countries’ resources to varying degrees and resulted in agricultural labour shortages.
Yet, at a time when the region is suffering from severe shortages in the availability of food and regional rates of hunger range from moderate to severe, food waste remains high, creating further imbalance.
Food import disruptions
As the world set out on recovery from COVID-19, which had already caused widespread supply chain disruptions and worsened food insecurity, Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering a domino effect.
In 2022, for example, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted the Russian Federation and Ukraine as important players in three main markets: food, fuel, and fertiliser.
And indeed, with Russia and Ukraine responsible for nearly a third of the world’s wheat and barley exports and around 15 per cent of corn, the outbreak of the war significantly disrupted grain imports.
In fact, 50 countries depend on the Russian Federation and Ukraine for at least 30 per cent of their wheat imports, including a number of MENA countries, meaning the region was significantly affected.
Russia is also the top exporter of nitrogen fertilisers, the second largest exporter of potassium fertilisers, and the third biggest exporter of phosphorous fertilisers, resulting in disruption across global agricultural markets, and while fertiliser prices have fallen in subsequent years, they remain high.
This has all had a knock-on effect on food prices.
During March 2022, for example, the FAO Food Price Index reached its highest level since its establishment in 1990, reaching 160 points. This resulted in the FAO Global Food Import
Financing Facility (FIFF), an instrument aimed at protecting low- and middle-income countries from the shocks of high food prices.
The importance of reducing food waste
Against this backdrop of crisis, there is a renewed focus on the importance of conserving resources and curbing food waste.
Globally, the world wastes or loses over a third of food a year, with the Middle East in particular having some of the highest rates globally.
During religious periods and holidays, food waste skyrocket. For example, the holy month of Ramadan sees the food waste figure rise even higher, with between 25 and 50 per cent of prepared food wasted.
How is food wasted?
However, it’s important to note that food waste occurs throughout each stage of production, even before it reaches the consumer.
Globally, approximately 15 per cent of food produced doesn’t make it off the farm. In the harvest stage, this can be down to crop damage, or poor storage, where inadequate storage facilities cause deterioration in quality and facilitate the spreading of pests.
Later, poor methods deployed during processing and packaging can result in spillage, damage or contamination of food.
Further losses are made during transportation and distribution, all the way to the retail and wholesale markets, where poor infrastructure and handling result in damage to crops and products.
The final stage takes place in hotels, restaurants and homes, responsible for around 17 per cent of food loss and waste (FLW). At this stage, a number of factors are to blame, from lack of education and improper storage to overbuying and large portions.
In fact, in total, food loss and waste amount to 250 kg per capita in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, which represents more than a staggering 60 billion US dollars annually, according to FAO estimates.
Further, despite the region depending on imports to meet more than 50 per cent of its food needs, it loses around a third of this to FLW.
This includes between 14 and 19 per cent of grains, 26 per cent of all fish and marine foods, 13 per cent of meat and 45 per cent of all vegetables and fruits.
Overall, nearly two-thirds of food is lost during the production, processing, preparation and
distribution of food, and a third of it is wasted at the consumer level.
According to the 2021 UNEP Food Waste Index Report, globally this contributes to 8-10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.
Hunger increases in parallel
Despite these high FLW levels, at the global level, roughly three billion people are unable to afford a healthy diet. Further, in the MENA, on average, nearly one in five children is stunted and the average wasting rate sits at 7 per cent.
This aligns with FAO data released last year, which highlighted that in 2022, the number of undernourished people in the region reached 59.8 million. This represents 12.9 per cent of the total population, significantly above the global average of 9.2 per cent.
This number also represents an increase of 75.9 per cent since 2010, and in countries experiencing conflict, undernourishment rates are even higher – by four times.
Acute food insecurity, meanwhile, affects 61.0 million people in the region, with 170.1 million affected by moderate or severe food insecurity.
Driving forward food waste solutions
Ultimately, food waste is part of a connected cycle that threatens the MENA’s food security.
Finding solutions here is a crucial part of improving food availability and access, alleviating the
increasing strain on resources and tackling the climate crisis.
Regionally, we have seen a number of initiatives, pledges and policies aimed at tackling food waste through awareness and education.
This includes UAE’s nationwide action plan aimed at reducing food waste by 50 per cent by 2030, and regional initiatives such as ne’ma. Similar initiatives and policies have been implemented in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and beyond.
Meanwhile, in the private sector, we have seen the power of partnership in uniting different parts of the supply chain, with food banks teaming up with tech companies and hotels, and food innovators upcycling ingredients.
However, to cut food waste in half by 2030, reduce emissions and combat food insecurity and hunger in the region, this impact needs to scale further and behaviour patterns must shift.
Non-profit organisation The Saudi Food Bank (Et’aam) is partnering with Kiri, a part of the Bel Group, for the “Iftar fast breaking program,” a Ramadan initiative. This year, it will distribute 20,000 fresh meals to individuals across Jeddah during Ramadan.
The non-profit shared that it collaborates with numerous companies across various industries through its “Iftar fast breaking program” during Ramadan.
The initiative aims to distribute essential food packages to those in need, and the boxes contain essential items and are distributed to families or individuals identified as requiring food assistance.
The iftar meals will feature a combination of Kiri cheese with bread, fresh juice, and fruits.
Commenting on the collaboration, Faisal Al-Shushan, the CEO of Saudi Food Bank, said: “Our partnership with Bel Group to distribute 20,000 meals in Jeddah during the sacred month of Ramadan is not merely a gesture, but a profound testament to our unwavering commitment to enhancing food security efforts and extending vital assistance to families in need. By joining hands with esteemed organizations like Kiri, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion and support, ensuring that every individual, regardless of circumstance, has equitable access to nourishing meals essential for a healthy and sustainable life. This collaboration underscores the spirit of Ramadan, a time of heightened generosity and communal solidarity, where acts of charity resonate deeply within our hearts and communities. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, embodying the true essence of this blessed month.”
Garo Matossian, General Manager of Bel Group for the Near Middle East, said: “Kiri is deeply committed to fostering kindness and generosity through all our initiatives, and our partnership with the Saudi Food Bank exemplifies this dedication. As we enter the sacred month of Ramadan, synonymous with compassion and giving, we recognize the significance of supporting the people of Saudi Arabia, where our brand has flourished.”
Adding: “By collaborating with the Saudi Food Bank, we aim to empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to society, particularly during this auspicious time. Through initiatives like ‘Iftar Sayim,’ Kiri endeavors to create opportunities for spreading kindness and uplifting communities across Saudi society. This partnership not only reflects our commitment to giving back to the people of Saudi Arabia but also reinforces our belief in the transformative power of collective goodwill and generosity during the month of Ramadan”.
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministries of Climate and Regional Affairs and Agriculture of the Republic of Estonia, aimed at strengthening food security and food management and embracing technology-driven solutions.
The MoU, it was shared, seeks to promote sustainable food systems by focusing on reducing waste, promoting digital solutions in agriculture, and leveraging advanced technology for increased productivity.
Other focus areas include food safety and improving crisis management and disaster response capabilities.
The collaboration includes research and development initiatives to strengthen food security, and the exchange of technical knowledge on trading conditions, restrictions, and procedures.
The MoU will also facilitate the implementation of research and initiatives in smart, sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions and also extends to implementing human resources capacity development programs.
The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of MOCCAE, with the MoU signed by Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Madis Kallas, Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, who also represented the Ministry of Climate of the Republic of Estonia.
Speaking about the partnership, H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak said: “In the UAE, we aim to deepen partnerships with nations on shared issues, particularly in food, which are our top priorities. This commitment drives us to adopt cutting-edge technologies, efficiently manage resources to align with our goal of reducing carbon emissions and promote a new economy that facilitates a sustainable future.”
Adding: “We believe that working together is crucial for finding effective solutions. By collaborating with Estonia and other countries, we aim to develop innovative solutions to strengthen global food security. Sharing knowledge and technology is vital for this endeavour and can have a positive impact on the future of both the UAE and the world.”