Innovative Partnership Between Plenty And Mawarid To Elevate GCC's Fresh Produce Sector

Plenty Unlimited Inc. (Plenty) and Mawarid Holding Investment (Mawarid), a subsidiary of Alpha Dhabi Holding, have announced an exclusive, multi-year partnership to bring fresh, locally grown produce to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This joint venture will see an investment of over AED500 million (US$130 million) in their first project, an indoor vertical farm in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi farm aims to produce more than 2 million kilogrammes of strawberries annually. The entire production is pre-committed to Driscoll’s, a global premium berry leader, which will also provide its proprietary genetics and market expertise. "As part of our strategy to delight berry consumers around the world, we are excited to partner with Plenty and Mawarid on this pioneering project," said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s.

Over the next five years, the joint venture plans to develop up to five farms in the GCC region. This expansion will require an investment of up to AED2.5 billion ($680 million) and is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The farms will focus on providing a year-round supply of berries with peak-season flavour for both local markets and exports within the GCC.

The new farm in Abu Dhabi will be approximately 7,500 square metres (81,000 square feet) and is scheduled for completion by late 2026. This facility will be the world's first commercial-scale vertical strawberry farm outside North America, following Plenty's first strawberry farm opening in Virginia later this year.

Kashif Shamsi, Group CEO of Mawarid, highlighted the importance of adopting advanced technologies for food security in the UAE. "Our global search for a sustainable solution led us to Plenty's incredible team," he said. "This joint venture allows us to leverage advanced farming technology to grow local food supply throughout the GCC while preserving natural resources."

Arama Kukutai, CEO of Plenty, emphasised their advanced indoor farming platform's role in meeting year-round consumer demand and building long-term food security infrastructure. "The Mawarid team's expertise in agriculture and land management makes them an ideal partner for these opportunities," Kukutai stated.

Reducing Food Miles

The Abu Dhabi farm aims to replace air freight imports with locally grown strawberries, reducing food miles significantly. This initiative aligns with efforts to enhance food security while minimising environmental impact by cutting down on transportation emissions.

The partnership between Plenty and Mawarid represents a significant step towards innovative agricultural practices in the Middle East. By focusing on sustainable solutions and leveraging cutting-edge technology, they aim to address regional challenges effectively.

This collaboration not only promises economic benefits but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on imported produce. The strategic location in Abu Dhabi serves as a starting point for further expansion across the GCC region.

The initiative underscores the commitment of both companies to advancing agricultural technology and ensuring a stable food supply chain within the region. As construction progresses towards its 2026 target completion date, this project marks a notable development in regional agriculture.

By integrating advanced farming techniques with local expertise, Plenty and Mawarid aim to set new standards for indoor agriculture in arid regions like the Middle East. This venture highlights their dedication to innovation and sustainability in addressing food security challenges.

In summary, this partnership between Plenty Unlimited Inc. and Mawarid Holding Investment signifies a forward-thinking approach towards enhancing food security through technological advancements in farming within the GCC region.

With inputs from WAM