Forty-eight years, distribution to 60 countries, and a portfolio of leading brands. At United Foods Company, marking our milestones gives us perspective, and an abiding respect for our past, as we plot our way into an even brighter future.
UFC was founded in 1976 by Sheikh Sultan Al Owais, by decree of H.H. Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, as the first company in the GCC to produce branded ghee for the consumer market. In 1979 began the rollout of our flagship brands – Aseel, Nawar, Safi, and Mumtaz – now staples in every kitchen across the region. With quality at its heart, UFC forged ahead, strengthening ties with customers and partners. By 1994, the company was unveiling the butter and margarine plant that would take the business to the next level.
With every passing year, expertise was honed, and innovation rewarded. The company’s high standards across facilities earned the HACCP certificate in 1998, and thanks to its stellar reputation, by 2006 UFC was listed in the Dubai Financial Market. This achievement was followed one year later with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art refinery and factory in Jebel Ali.
The year 2015 marked a new phase in UFC’s expansion plan with the launch of the distribution arm for third-party products. Within seven years, the company won distribution rights for a wide range of premium international products, including Mondelez Ice Cream, Nestle Ice Cream, Flying Goose Sriracha, and Deep Fresh Personal Care Products. In 2021 UFC acquired Stratus, a trading company specialized in confectionery.
In line with a global shift in perspective, United Foods pledged to be a fully sustainable company by 2050, launching a 2,000kW solar power plant that now allows 40% of the manufactured products to be produced using clean energy.
The legacy of firsts is only half our story as we set new goals for the future. Today, UFC is home to market leader Aseel vegetable ghee, with 81% market share, and the UAE’s top margarine brands Mumtaz and Nawar, with 75% market share. Looking forward, we will continue to innovate as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our customers, ensure global expansion efforts are contingent on quality and core values, and work diligently to minimize our environmental impact.
A homegrown brand with an international reputation built on delectable goodness, we have stayed true to our roots, advocating health in local communities and pursuing our sustainability objectives with dedication. United Foods Company offers quality food solutions, guided by our responsibility to society and the environment. As we envision each new step forward, this mission remains clear.
