Nestlé partners with Emirates Foundation to advance national food waste reduction goals

UAE – Nestlé UAE has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Foundation to support ne’ma, the UAE’s national initiative aimed at cutting food loss and waste by 50% by 2030. 

The agreement was formalized during the Future Food Forum 2025 in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism. 

The partnership aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and contributes to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.

The MoU cements Nestlé’s contribution to the UAE Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study, a key activity under ne’ma. 

Through the agreement, Nestlé will provide operational data, industry insights, and collaborative support to establish national indicators and accelerate systemic change across the food value chain. 

The partnership will also reinforce ne’ma’s Zero Food Waste Framework, a roadmap for food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to reduce inefficiencies and secure a more resilient food system.

Beyond research and policy support, the collaboration extends to consumer engagement. 

Nestlé and Emirates Foundation will drive public awareness campaigns, youth-focused programs, and food rescue initiatives during high-demand periods such as Ramadan. 

Efforts will also focus on creating scalable solutions that reduce waste across manufacturing and distribution, while encouraging responsible consumption at the household level.

Hassan Atia, General Manager at Nestlé UAE, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to responsible consumption and aligns with our broader contribution in the UAE, supporting over 7,200 jobs, contributing AED 4.8 billion in gross value to the economy, and driving innovation across our operations.”

Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer at Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the ne’ma Steering Committee, highlighted the private sector’s role, saying, “The MoU with Nestlé UAE demonstrates how industry can harness its capabilities and innovation to transform the challenge of food loss and waste into opportunities for growth and impact.”

The Future Food Forum 2025 provided the backdrop for the announcement, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to shape regional food systems. 

The Nestlé–Emirates Foundation partnership reflects the Forum’s mission to accelerate sustainable food practices, foster innovation, and align private sector action with national priorities.

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