Jafza inks pact with India’s Haldiram’s to open saffron processing facility in UAE

Dubai: Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has inked a pact with Indian food brand Haldiram’s to set up one of the largest saffron processing facilities in the GCC, the companies announced Friday. Jafza and Haldiram’s signed the agreement on the sidelines of Gulfood in Dubai.

The facility, set to start operations in March 2025, will be managed by Kesar Expert and Packers - a specialist in processing high-quality saffron with 22 years of experience in India, the statement said.

“It will also secure globally recognised European BRCGS certification to guarantee the quality and purity of its saffron,” it said.

Initially, the hub will process 30 metric tonnes of saffron, with plans to scale up to 100 metric tonnes over the next five years by leveraging the UAE-India CEPA.

The parties also discussed other avenues for future collaboration, including expanding Haldiram’s presence in Dubai and further investing in food processing and distribution facilities.

The agreement reinforces Dubai's role as a global trade hub, driven by Jafza's growing F&B sector, which is now home to more than 770 food and beverage companies.

Indian F&B companies have had a successful week at Gulfood. Earlier in the week, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) - the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited - officially launched the Indian legacy brand, Campa, in the UAE at the 30th edition of Gulfood, the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event. This debut marks RCPL’s first entry into the UAE. Campa Cola will be launched in the UAE in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Agthia Group.

Meanwhile, Lulu Retail, the region’s leading full-line retailer, signed nine strategic MoUs with global manufacturers to expand its products across the GCC and beyond. These agreements include partnerships with companies from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and India.

One of the standout agreements is the introduction of Milaf Cola – a Saudi-based carbonated date beverage. Milaf Cola will soon be available across LuLu stores in the GCC, with plans for expansion into India.