• Khalifa Fund also collaborated with Dubai SME during the exhibition   
  • F&B Innovation Lab 2.0 winning product, the Ghaf Tree drink and shot, is to be showcased at the Khalifa Fund stand

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and Al Dhafra Co-operative (ADCS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate the development of SMEs in the UAE’s F&B sector. The partnership between the two respective parties will see Khalifa Fund members receive a number of benefits, such as a full waiver of the ADCS entry fee for three years, a 50% discount on the rental of main shelves at ADCS’ sites for a year, and Khalifa Fund members will be included on the ADCS supplier list.

Khalifa Fund signed the MoU during the third day of Gulfood 2023, where they are supporting the participation of 9 businesses: Khairat Al Yemen Honey & Natural Herbs; Soil Store Foodstuff Trading; Al Diyafa Hotel & Catering Supplies; Emirates Dates; SIMPIOZ (Tashkala Confectionery Factory); P&P Cups; Iconic Solutions General Trading; Al Thiqa Foodstuff Trading; and Felix & Norton Cookies. The businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products to reputable vendors from around the world and explore business opportunities in one of the most thriving industries.

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, stated, " This MoU with ADCS marks an important step towards promoting entrepreneurship and stimulating the growth of SMEs in the UAE’s F&B sector. This collaboration will contribute towards creating new opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs in the sector. With access to training and support, our entrepreneurs will have the capacity to launch and grow their businesses, contributing to the overall economic growth of the UAE.”

Highlighting Khalifa Fund’s participation at Gulfood, Her Excellency added: “Khalifa Fund takes pride in supporting 9 UAE businesses during its 7th consecutive year at Gulfood. This year, Gulfood presents a unique chance for them to explore business opportunities in one of the most thriving industries. We look forward to supporting these businesses throughout the exhibition and beyond, as we guide them on their journey to success."

Hamad Abdulla Barak Almazrouei, Deputy Chairman of the board, Al Dhafra Co-operative, said: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Khalifa Fund to promote entrepreneurship and support SMEs in the F&B sector. With the benefits that Khalifa Fund members will receive, including waived entry fees and access to training, we hope to help local businesses and entrepreneurs grow and succeed. We look forward to a successful partnership with Khalifa Fund and supporting the growth of the F&B sector in the UAE."

Khalifa Fund will also be showcasing the winning product from the F&B Innovation Lab 2.0, which is the Ghaf tree drink and shot, manufactured by Barakat. The F&B Innovation Lab was launched by Khalifa Fund to encourage and support innovative ideas within the food and beverage industry.

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About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development was established in 2007, by the virtue of the Law 14 of 2005 and its amendments, in the implementation of the vision of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Khalifa Fund works as an independent, not-for-profit economic development agency of the Government of Abu Dhabi for the development and support of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Fund helps to develop local enterprises in Abu Dhabi through instilling and enriching an investment culture amongst UAE nationals. The Fund also seeks to support and develop SMEs in the Emirate.

Khalifa Fund was founded in 2007 with a total capital of AED 300 million, which gradually increased in 2008 to AED 1 billion, in order to meet the growing demand for the Fund’s services. In 2011, the Fund’s total capital was increase to AED 2 billion, and the Fund covered all of the UAE through a network of branches.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Cameron Hurrion
KBS Strategies
cameron@kbsstrategies.com