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Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), the UAE’s largest national provider of protein and beverages, has signed a strategic joint development agreement with Finnish food-tech company FoodIQ to bring advanced manufacturing technology to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the first time.
Under the agreement, AAFG will become the first company globally to industrially adopt FoodIQ’s patented multi-layer cooker (MLC) technology outside of Finland.
The move positions the UAE as a pioneer in clean-label food production using smart, modular systems that enable the local manufacture of high-protein, natural dairy and plant-based products without additives or preservatives.
Read: The making of a ‘National Champion’: How Al Ain Farms Group is nurturing the UAE’s food future
Al Ain Farms Group empowered to meet growing consumer demand
“This collaboration not only puts the UAE on the global map for food-tech adoption — it also empowers us to rapidly meet growing consumer demand for healthier choices while using local ingredients,” said Hassan Safi, Group CEO of AAFG. “It is a milestone moment for our Group.”
The MLC platform allows for seamless, flexible-batch production of high-viscosity food products including yogurt, cheese, protein smoothies, and plant-based milks.
It preserves the nutritional value of real ingredients while significantly reducing energy and water usage, as well as production waste.
FoodIQ’s tech being rolled out globally
Founded in 2015, FoodIQ has been working with leading Nordic companies and operates an industrial-scale factory and R&D centre in Finland.
Its technology is now being rolled out globally. AAFG’s adoption of the MLC platform will result in three clean-label product ranges being launched in the UAE within six months, with broader expansion into dairy and plant-based categories to follow.
“We’re proud to bring our MLC platform to the UAE with a partner that truly shares our values,” said Robert Savikko, CEO of FoodIQ. “Together with AAFG, we’re setting a new benchmark for clean-label, sustainable food manufacturing built on quality, transparency, and innovation.”
The agreement was signed at AAFG’s Marmum Dairy facilities in Al Ain, with senior representatives from AAFG, FoodIQ, and Business Finland in attendance.
The ceremony included a guided tour, MLC technology demonstration, and product tasting session.
The partnership supports the UAE’s broader Food Security Strategy 2051, National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, and Net Zero 2050 goals.
It also strengthens AAFG’s position as a regional R&D leader and advances the country’s emergence as a global hub for sustainable food-tech innovation.
