The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) recently revealed a 19 percent increase in food and beverage (F&B) exports from the UAE during the first half of 2024 and projected a surge in the sector’s revenue to reach $38.3 billion (AED141 billion), highlighting the success of the nation’s food and beverage industry.
The ADCCI unveiled these statistics in a report released during Global Food Week 2024, a premier platform uniting experts, academics, and international businesses involved in agriculture and food production. The chamber’s involvement underscores its commitment to achieving the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051 goals and supporting Abu Dhabi’s efforts to enable a business-friendly ecosystem, positioning the emirate as a leading hub for talent, business, and investment.
Abu Dhabi, a global F&B hub
ADCCI’s report added that online sales of Abu Dhabi food and beverages are expected to reach $619 million by 2025 amid greater e-commerce adoption and a growing market. The report also forecasts a 6.3 percent increase in consumer spending within the F&B sector during 2024, further reinforcing its long-term sustainability in the UAE.
Reflecting the robustness and attractiveness of the sector, 2,540 new companies within the food sector, spanning 178 activities, became members of ADCCI between January and Oct 2023, representing approximately 8.2 percent of the chamber’s total membership.
“Our participation in Global Food Week aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global investment hub in the food and beverage sector. It aligns with our efforts to support the prosperity of the local business ecosystem, providing both national and foreign businesses with opportunities to thrive and expand globally,” stated Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, second vice chairman of the ADCCI.
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Supporting local talent and SMEs
During its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2024, the ADCCI will host seven local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in its pavilion. This initiative provides these companies with a platform to showcase their latest innovations and products in the F&B sector, reflecting the chamber’s commitment to supporting local businesses and enabling them to expand into regional and global markets from the UAE.
The chamber’s participation also highlights its role in supporting the local private sector, offering promising opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs, and opening new avenues for international trade. ADCCI also seeks to promote sustainable agricultural production using advanced technologies and innovative solutions, thereby reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s efforts toward achieving global food security by 2050.
