KEZAD's baby food hub to boost Gulf logistics

KEZAD and Barakat Group have started building a US$40.87 million baby food manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, designed to produce up to 90 million units a year of fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish purées. The facility will not only meet growing demand for locally produced, halal-compliant infant nutrition but also streamline regional logistics, reducing reliance on imported products and improving supply chain efficiency across the Gulf.

The plant covers 10,000 sqm and includes end-to-end operations from production to packaging, with products supplied in pouches and glass jars. A dedicated logistics setup will handle storage, distribution, and transportation, ensuring fresh, traceable products reach customers quickly. By centralising manufacturing and logistics in KEZAD, the project supports faster delivery, better inventory management, and stronger links with local and regional suppliers.

The facility is expected to create about 200 direct jobs, including roles in logistics, operations, and supply chain management, while indirectly supporting transport, warehousing, and agricultural sourcing.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster, said the project highlights how specialised food manufacturing can deliver economic value while strengthening supply chain resilience. By integrating production with logistics, KEZAD aims to build a more efficient, reliable, and locally anchored baby food ecosystem across the Gulf.