EKTIFA and IFFCO forge strategic partnership to advance food product research and development

Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment (EKTIFA) and IFFCO Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in food research and development, sustainable food manufacturing, and knowledge exchange. The partnership supports the food security priorities of Sharjah and the UAE, in line with the vision and directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to build a sustainable food system, promote healthy and safe food production, and ensure the long-term sustainability of local production.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of EKTIFA, and Mohamed Azad Khan, Executive Director of IFFCO Group, in the presence of officials from both organisations.

The strategic partnership combines EKTIFA’s agricultural and livestock production capabilities with IFFCO’s extensive expertise in food manufacturing, product development, and supply chain management. By bringing together these complementary strengths, the two organisations aim to establish an integrated production ecosystem that fosters innovation across the food industry. Key areas of cooperation include product development, research and technical testing, manufacturing support, packaging solutions, knowledge transfer, and the development of national talent.

Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji said: This partnership marks an important step in strengthening cooperation in research and development. IFFCO brings decades of experience in food manufacturing and supply chain management, providing valuable expertise that EKTIFA can draw on to advance its capabilities and achieve its ambitions.

He added: Through this collaboration, we aim to benefit from IFFCO’s technical expertise, train our national talent in its advanced research and food manufacturing laboratories, and explore opportunities to enter new markets. This partnership also represents a success story for the Emirate of Sharjah, demonstrating how strategic collaboration can transform local production capabilities into greater value, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Dr. Al Teneiji further emphasised the vital role of public-private partnerships in strengthening local food value chains and fostering innovation across the industry. He noted that enhancing the sustainability of the food sector would also improve its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and meet evolving consumer needs efficiently and sustainably.

Mohamed Azad Khan said: This collaboration offers an important opportunity to exchange industrial expertise and technical capabilities, bringing together IFFCO’s longstanding experience in manufacturing and supply chain management with EKTIFA’s significant capabilities in agricultural and livestock production.

He added: We look forward to collaborating on research and development in food manufacturing, packaging, and related processes, in alignment with EKTIFA’s vision. Our shared efforts will help unlock greater value from local production while supporting the sustainable development of the food sector.

Azad Khan also highlighted Sharjah’s special place in IFFCO’s history, noting that the Group’s journey in the food industry began in the emirate. He acknowledged Sharjah’s enduring contribution to the development of the UAE’s food manufacturing sector and underscored the importance of building on this shared legacy through future collaboration.

Abdelghani Abdullah, General Manager of IFFCO Group, stressed that food security has become a strategic priority for governments worldwide, particularly as rising costs of fertilisers, agricultural inputs, fuel, and logistics put increasing pressure on food supply chains.

He said: Close cooperation between government institutions and the private sector is fundamental to building resilient and sustainable food systems that are better equipped to withstand emerging challenges.

He added: This MoU reflects our shared commitment to exploring practical solutions that connect local agricultural and livestock production with food manufacturing and innovation. By strengthening these links, we aim to support Sharjah’s vision of a more sustainable and resilient food system while creating new opportunities for the growth and advancement of the local food industry.