Kerry is strengthening its presence in the Middle East with a new strategic investment in the United Arab Emirates. The group, a global leader in sustainable flavor and nutrition solutions, has announced the signing of a long-term lease agreement with Expo City Dubai for the opening of the new Regional Customer Co-Creation Centre, set to become a hub for food and beverage innovation in the region.
The new facility will be located in the heart of Expo City Dubai, the Emirates' first Green Innovation District, conceived as an international hub for sustainability, research, and development. The center will be a cutting-edge regional hub dedicated to applied research, product development, and customer collaboration, strengthening Kerry's ability to support partners throughout the entire process, from ideation to commercialization.
Thanks to the group's scientific expertise and a global network of know-how, the center will accelerate the development of high value-added nutritional and flavor solutions, reducing time to market and responding in an increasingly targeted manner to the needs of regional consumers.
"This partnership represents a key milestone in our growth journey in the Middle East," said Peter Dillane, President and CEO of Kerry APMEA, emphasizing Expo City Dubai's strategic role as a global platform for research and innovation. Dillane also highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration between the UAE and Ireland in promoting investment and development in the food technology sector.
The new center is designed to foster co-creation and collaboration between companies, manufacturers, academic institutions, public bodies, and industry experts. It will offer an integrated exploration of Kerry's portfolio in the Taste, Proactive Health, Enzymes, Food Protection, and Preservation segments, with a strong focus on sustainability, nutrition, and performance.
According to Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, Kerry's entry strengthens the Innovation District ecosystem and contributes to building a more resilient and decarbonized future. With this project, Kerry confirms its ambition to drive innovation in food and beverage, strengthening the Middle East's role as a strategic hub in its global strategy.
