New 60,000 sq. ft. Jebel Ali facility boosts processing capacity and foodservice capabilities.
NRTC Group is expanding its value-added fresh food operations with the launch of a Dh50 million Taaza processing facility in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, Dubai. The new facility is designed to meet the changing needs of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), hospitality operators, retailers and institutional foodservice businesses.
Covering more than 60,000 sq. ft., the facility brings together fresh produce preparation, washing and sanitisation, cutting, juice processing and flexible packaging under one roof. It offers various preparation formats and packaging solutions tailored to customers’ product specifications and operational needs.
“The new facility represents a strategic step in NRTC Group’s evolution towards a more integrated food supply chain, connecting fresh produce sourcing and distribution with value-added processing and customer-ready food solutions,” said Mohammed Alrifai, Group CEO of NRTC Group.
“In fresh food, competitive advantage is no longer defined by sourcing alone. Customers need consistency, convenience and products prepared to their exact requirements. Through our new NRTC Taaza facility, we are strengthening the capabilities that bring these needs together, supported by more than five decades of experience in fresh produce,” he added.
The facility combines semi-automated processing with flexible preparation and packaging solutions, including customised vegetable cuts, portion sizes, bulk formats and private-label products. Separate processing zones, temperature-controlled environments and standardised handling procedures are designed to maintain hygiene and product quality while helping QSRs, hospitality businesses and retailers simplify food preparation and procurement.
“NRTC Group’s established presence across foodservice, hospitality and retail provides a platform for Taaza’s next phase of growth. The facility is designed to help these sectors meet varied requirements, from consistent product specifications and portioning to customised packaging and the preparation needs of high-volume kitchens,” Alrifai said.
Expanding into ready-to-eat food categories
Building on its existing fresh-cut vegetable and juice range, NRTC Taaza plans to introduce more convenience-focused food categories, including sandwiches, wraps, dips, continental-style dishes and healthy prepared meals.
A proposed kitchen operation, with a target capacity of approximately 2,000 meals a day, would further expand its ready-to-eat offering. QSRs will remain a key growth segment, with the company targeting this category to contribute around 20% of its business in the first year, increasing to 40% over three years.
The expansion draws on NRTC Group’s established supply chain, which spans more than 50 countries and handles approximately one million tonnes of fresh produce annually.
By bringing its extensive sourcing and distribution network closer to customer-ready processing, the Group aims to capture greater value across the fresh food supply chain, diversify its product range and respond to the evolving needs of the UAE’s foodservice sector.
“Food safety starts with how a facility is designed and managed. Clearly separated work zones, disciplined handling and traceability help our teams deliver the consistency customers expect,” Alrifai added.
