Khalifa Fund and the F&B Manufacturers Business Group (FBMG) in partnership with Mintel, InnovaMENA and Invertium has launched the F&B Innovation Lab, a program that aims to discover, guide and mentor the UAE’s next innovative F&B products. The program says to incubate Emirati talent who have F&B concepts rooted in sustainability, health and convenience, with industry leading manufactures who can develop and promote successful product market fits, with the aim of transforming their F&B concepts into internationally available products.
Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Khalifa Fund stated, “As part of Khalifa Fund’s contribution towards enhancing the F&B ecosystem for Emirati talent in the sector, we are extremely proud to be launching the F&B Innovation Lab, alongside the F&B Manufacturing Business Group, Mintel, Tate & Lyle and a multitude of our industry leading manufacturing partners. The F&B Innovation Lab will be a unique and innovative program that aligns with Khalifa Fund’s contribution towards achieving the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision, unlocking the full potential of the UAE’s F&B ecosystem, and ultimately establish further job creation within the sector.”
He concluded, “The UAE’s F&B sector is a prosperous and thriving sector, with the potential to achieve exponential growth and development, which can contribute to the national economy with the help of our strategic partners. The main aim of the F&B Innovation Lab is to create the early foundations for ideation, innovation and an ecosystem for UAE talent in the F&B sector, while actively contributing towards the further enhancement of our advanced food security levels. I look forward to seeing further advancements in the UAE’s F&B ecosystem, with a range of new products that are UAE-relevant, and provide local flavor, culture and heritage.”
The F&B Innovation Lab is set to operate in several specific phases starting from: scouting and attracting talent; interviewing and filtering candidates; a 5-day innovation boot camp; and an incubation phase that will lead to the eventual commercialization of the F&B concept.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of UAE Food and Beverage Business Group said, “As leaders of the Food and Beverage manufacturing companies in UAE, it is our responsibility to build a better future. This means investing in our national talent to encourage them, giving them the confidence and a helping hand so that they can scale new heights for the food sector in UAE. It’s thrilling to see active participation from both national and multinational manufacturers who are committed in supporting these talented and extremely innovative young nationals. I am confident that this initiative will play a decisive role in the future of the food sector and meeting a goal of our National Agenda of being self-sustainable and a manufacturing hub for the region.”
