Food security is a concerted effort: IFFCO head

Food security for IFFCO means maintaining production and supply of food even amidst disruptions. Local production, imports and reserves are all important, but none is sufficient on their own. The company's activities connect agriculture, food manufacturing and distribution, ensuring that ingredients, oils, flour and food service are available to customers. A single company cannot deliver food security alone; it requires the collective efforts of government, ports, carriers, suppliers and local manufacturers.

During the regional conflict and the Strait of Hormuz situation, IFFCO had to find alternative ways to keep its factories supplied. They increased their edible oil and grain intake through UAE coast and Red Sea ports, redirected shipments through alternative ports and routes, and used road transportation when necessary. The company also chartered seven cargo aircraft to transport critical inputs and increased local packaging sourcing.

Procurement, logistics, manufacturing, quality, warehousing and commercial teams collaborated to keep production running.

IFFCO's global presence helps protect the UAE's supply by providing multiple options when traditional arrangements fail. The company secured critical ingredients from multiple origins and adjusted routes as needed. While local factories still require the right inputs, a wider network offers more avenues for procuring and distributing them.

The disruption highlighted the significance of local suppliers, particularly for packaging. IFFCO increased the share of local packaging materials to support production during the pressure on logistics routes. The experience reinforced the idea that local manufacturing should be considered as part of a connected network, including packaging suppliers, transport links and warehousing, along with the raw ingredients.

With products sold in over 100 markets, IFFCO's growth demonstrates that the UAE can be a base for producing and developing food products, not just a market for imported goods. The company believes that both local needs and international growth can be pursued together. The industry must learn from this period that a holistic approach, combining local sourcing and diversified international sourcing, along with effective inventory planning and transport options, is crucial for strengthening food security in the UAE.