Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
At Global Food Week, Aletihad spoke with Milana Bošković, Director of Marketing and R&D at Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), who outlined the company's approach to food security, sustainability and innovation.
Al Ain Farms showcased its portfolio of locally produced dairy, poultry, eggs and juices, while also using the platform to announce new collaborations.
"We have signed MoUs with Khalifa University Enterprises Company to advance science-led innovation in camel milk and sustainable poultry feed; with Al Dahra Group to establish a fully UAE-based supply chain for premium raw milk; and with ne'ma to support national food loss and waste reduction by 2030," Bošković said.
She stressed that food security requires integration and local sourcing.
"By consolidating five of the UAE's trusted brands and working with partners like Al Dahra, we have built a supply chain that is 100% UAE-based. This provides fresher products and strengthens national self-sufficiency."
On sustainability, Bošković highlighted progress in packaging and waste reduction.
"We have achieved a 35% cut in RPET packaging and partnered with initiatives like ne'ma to address food waste. Local action and strong partnerships are what drive meaningful change in food systems."
Innovation, she noted, remains central
Partnerships with FoodIQ and Khalifa University enable AAFG to apply advanced analytics, automation and research into areas such as camel milk and circular economy practices.
"This gives us access to cutting-edge research, talent incubation and technology pilots, helping scale solutions from the lab to real-world impact."
Bošković stressed the role of partnerships in building resilience.
Agreements with Al Dahra help to secure local raw milk supplies, while working with Khalifa University and ne'ma connects industry with research and national policy efforts.
She also pointed to consumer health as an important driver of product development.
"Our insights have led to clean-label dairy, sugar-free and lactose-free options, and high-nutrition ranges such as camel milk and protein products. Beyond products, we support education campaigns to promote responsible consumption."
Building local capacity, investing in integrated supply chains, and fostering strong partnerships are key to a resilient food sector, Bošković said.
"Our experience shows that when industry, government, and academia work together, it is possible to create a food system that is future-proof and responsive to community needs," she added.
