NRTC Group signs McDonald’s UAE MoU to strengthen fresh produce supply chain

UAE – NRTC Group, a subsidiary of Ghitha Holding, has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Emirates Fast Food Company LLC, master franchisee of McDonald’s UAE, to enhance sourcing, quality, and distribution of fresh produce across more than 200 restaurants nationwide.

The MoU sets out a framework to strengthen the supply of high-quality fresh produce, support sustainable sourcing practices, and explore initiatives to improve food quality and safety, as well as local sourcing in the UAE.

Specific areas of cooperation include produce supply, optimizing logistics and distribution, and aligning quality assurance standards with global best practices.

“This agreement represents an important step in exploring how we can leverage our end-to-end supply chain capabilities to support large-scale food service operations in the UAE,” said Mohammed Alrifai, CEO of NRTC Group.

“We are committed to delivering consistency, quality, and reliability, while contributing to the advancement of sustainable sourcing and food security in the region.”

For fresh produce businesses in MEA, this collaboration implicitly recognizes several urgent supply chain pain points.

First, cold chain reliability remains inconsistent across the region, with post-harvest losses for perishables estimated at 20–30%.

Second, import dependence leaves QSR operators vulnerable to global price volatility and shipping delays. Third, traceability from farm to restaurant is often fragmented, complicating food safety recalls.

Therefore, the unspoken requirements NRTC must meet are substantial. McDonald’s UAE will likely require Global G.A.P. certification for all produce, year-round volume consistency despite seasonal variations, rigorous food safety protocols aligned with McDonald’s global standards, and full traceability from seed to serving.

Furthermore, the QSR operator expects predictable pricing and an uninterrupted supply 365 days a year.

“At McDonald’s UAE, maintaining a resilient and transparent supply chain is essential to delivering the quality our customers expect,” said Wissam Marouf, Vice President, McDonald’s UAE.

“Through this collaboration with NRTC Group, we aim to explore opportunities to further strengthen our sourcing practices, enhance operational efficiencies, and support local agricultural ecosystems.”

Ghitha’s vertically integrated model, which combines production, cold chain, and distribution, positions it as a national champion capable of serving multinational QSRs.

Therefore, smaller players should consider forming cooperatives, investing in Global G.A.P. certification, or partnering with larger groups rather than competing directly. The alternative is exclusion from the region’s most lucrative food-service contracts.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.