National Foods Pakistan has inaugurated its first international production facility in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to enhance its global presence and increase exports of edible products.
As reported by Arab News on Wednesday, the company manufactures and sells diverse food items, including pickles, ketchup, and desserts, as the UAE is a key foreign market for its products.
A stock filing revealed that National Foods DMCC, its Dubai-based subsidiary, established a new subsidiary, National Foods (FZE), in Sharjah. CEO Abrar Hasan stated that National Foods DMCC, formed in 2012, significantly contributed to the company’s international expansion.
Hasan confirmed the company secured a manufacturing license in the UAE.
“This new facility marks our first international manufacturing site, aiming to enhance market access, especially in the Middle East,” Hasan told Arab News. He added that it would also support product localization.
Hasan mentioned plans to extend beyond Gulf countries, noting existing operations in Canada, the UK, and the US.
The company’s export sales in the last fiscal year grew from Rs2.2 billion to over Rs2.4 billion, primarily to the UAE. The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) data indicates that exports increased by Rs 638 million in the first three fiscal months.
Hasan noted that exports constitute about 20% of the company’s turnover. Local sales hit around Rs40 billion in fiscal 2023, up from Rs36.6 billion the previous year.
UAE-based Pakistani analysts report growing product demand fueled by an expanding Pakistani diaspora.
“The increasing Pakistani community in Gulf countries is driving demand for Pakistani products,” said Danish Kazi, a UAE-based financial and political analyst.
