UAE - In a move to scale production and expand its footprint, UAE-based Pure Ice Cream has announced a deal to build an AED80 million (US$21.8 million) manufacturing facility in Dubai Industrial City. 

The new factory, which is expected to be operational by 2026, will boost Pure Ice Cream’s annual production capacity by 300%, enabling the company to produce 30 million liters of ice cream annually. 

This expansion is aimed at strengthening the company's supply to local and international markets, including the GCC, Africa, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

Pure Ice Cream, known for brands such as Kwality and Hershey’s, distributes its products to over 8,000 outlets across the UAE, with a presence in GCC countries and African markets including Tanzania and Ethiopia. 

The new Dubai Industrial City facility will occupy a 246,000 square-foot plot within the dedicated food and beverage zone, with the factory itself covering approximately 160,000 square feet, reports Arabian Business.

Strategic location and advanced manufacturing systems

Located close to major transport networks, Dubai Industrial City offers a strategic base for Pure Ice Cream to capitalize on logistical advantages, facilitating efficient distribution across its expanding market base. 

The facility will feature advanced automated and semi-automated manufacturing systems, which will enable the company to meet rising consumer demand and manage larger production volumes.

“The launch of this facility represents a key milestone for Pure Ice Cream and reflects our dedication to enhancing the UAE’s position as a hub for food and beverage innovation,” stated Vikram Seth, Managing Director of Pure Ice Cream. 

He highlighted Dubai Industrial City’s supportive infrastructure as a critical factor in Pure Ice Cream’s decision to expand in the area. 

“This strategic positioning will allow us to capitalize on new business opportunities and manage larger production volumes efficiently,” he added.

Contributing to UAE’s food security strategy

The expansion aligns with Dubai’s economic vision, including the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33,' Operation 300bn, and the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aim to promote sustainable growth within the food and beverage sector. 

TECOM Group’s Executive Vice President Saud Abu Alshawareb emphasized that Pure Ice Cream’s expansion aligns with these national strategies, describing it as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to a resilient and self-sustaining food sector.

“The launch of Pure Ice Cream’s facility at Dubai Industrial City offers a powerful proof point of these visions in action, and its addition to our district’s thriving F&B zone is a tangible manifestation of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051,” said Abu Alshawareb. 

“We welcome such partners in our journey towards a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for the country.”

Employment and economic growth

In addition to its production capacity, the new factory is anticipated to create over 300 jobs, contributing to employment in the UAE’s manufacturing sector. This development not only supports the local economy but also reinforces Pure Ice Cream’s standing as the largest private label ice cream manufacturer in the GCC. 

Established in 1977, the company introduced its flagship brand, Kwality, in the UAE, and has since continued to expand its product range and market reach.

With Dubai Industrial City’s infrastructure and Pure Ice Cream’s planned production facility, the project is expected to serve as a hub for regional and international distribution, supporting both Pure Ice Cream’s growth and the UAE’s broader industrial goals.