Upper Egypt for Food Industries allocates EGP 100m for production lines development

Company to introduce 4 new products this year, expand in Africa: Abdel-Hay

Company targets $20m exports in 2021, up from $11m in 2020

Upper Egypt for Food Industries (UEFFI) has invested about EGP 100m recently in the development of its manufacturing capacity and adding new production lines, in order to provide new products in the local and international markets.

The company intends to launch four new types of ready-to-cook vegetables next April. It also seeks to double its exports to reach $20m by the end of 2021.

Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Hay, CEO of the company, said that the main products of the company are frozen vegetables and fruits, and the latest products are ready-to-cook vegetables, where sauces are added to some items.

He expected that the new products would be well received in the market as they would reduce the cooking time, especially as working mothers do not have enough time to cook every day.

Abdel-Hay pointed out that the company is currently preparing to launch ready-to-eat sautéed vegetables (mushrooms, broccoli, beans, and peas) which can be done in the microwave. The company now has more than 40 types of frozen vegetables and fruits.

The UEFFI will participate in the Gulf Food Dubai exhibition in its special session with its latest products. The company seeks to reach the largest number of customers to market its products and conclude contracts on new ones scheduled for launch in April.

Abdel-Hay revealed that the company seeks to increase its exports during the coming period to Africa, especially South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia.

"We want to expand in Africa to compensate for the decline in demand at some markets, especially the Gulf region, during the recent period due to the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as the lower demand by restaurants," he added.

The UEFFI has recently expanded in new markets, notably the USA, Sweden, Germany, and France.

Regarding the company's exporting plan for this year, Abdel-Hay said the UEFFI aims to almost double its exports to $20m, from the $11m recorded in 2020.

The company exports its products to more than 30 countries across the world, most notably Switzerland, Germany, Norway, France, and the Gulf countries.

The UEFFI was also the first company in the Middle East to develop the packaging of products by using paper boxes instead of plastic to ensure food safety.