Al Khayyat Investments, CJ Foods partner to expand Korean food in Middle East
Partnership explores joint product development and potential local manufacturing in the UAE.
MIDDLE EAST – Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) has announced a partnership with CJ Group’s food division, CJ Foods, aiming to expand the availability of Korean food products across the Middle East.
The agreement between the two companies was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by AKI Managing Director Zaid S Al Khayyat and CJ Group Vice Chairman Sukjoon Lee in Abu Dhabi.
The signing coincided with the State Visit of the President of South Korea to the UAE and was attended by Kim Jung Kwan, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
Under the partnership, AKI Consumer and CJ Foods plan to offer a broader range of K-Food products to customers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and neighbouring countries.
Both companies will examine opportunities for joint development of new products and the possibility of local manufacturing within the UAE, supporting the country’s initiatives for food security and economic diversification.
Demand for Korean food in the Middle East has grown alongside the rising popularity of Korean culture, entertainment, and lifestyle trends among local and expatriate populations.
AKI brings its regional distribution network and experience in scaling international brands, while CJ Foods contributes its expertise as a leading global Korean food company, positioning the collaboration to meet increasing consumer demand.
The partnership aims to deliver authentic Korean food products while contributing to the growing cultural and economic connection between the UAE and South Korea.
AKI’s upcoming fulfilment centre in the UAE is expected to support the expansion, allowing faster delivery and improved supply chain efficiency for regional markets.
The initiative reflects the ongoing interest in high-quality, innovative K-Food items, which have become a significant segment of the region’s food retail market.
By combining distribution strength and product expertise, AKI and CJ Foods are set to make Korean cuisine more accessible across multiple Middle Eastern countries.
The companies have not disclosed financial details of the partnership.
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