Gadwa Food Industry, a prominent Egyptian food conglomerate with a rich history spanning five decades in cheese manufacturing, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art margarine production line at its Integrated Egyptian Food Industries (IEFI) subsidiary. This strategic initiative, undertaken in partnership with Nabla Solution, aims to bolster local production capabilities, reduce import dependency, and introduce high-quality, healthier food options to the Egyptian and African markets. The new facility, located in 10th of Ramadan City, represents a significant step in Gadwa's commitment to food security and innovation, ensuring a stable supply of nutritious products for consumers.
Gadwa's legacy as a 'house of cheese' is well-established through its major subsidiary, Arab Dairy, which boasts a diverse portfolio of cheese products, including the iconic Panda brand and the all-natural Panda Gourmet line. The decision to venture into margarine production is a deliberate move towards backward integration, driven by the significant consumption of margarine in Egypt. Yasser Mohamed Zaki Ibrahim, Chairman at Gadwa, emphasized the foundational role of food in society, particularly in Egypt and across Africa, highlighting the continuous demand for reliable and nutritious food sources.
Amr Youssef, Marketing Director at Arab Dairy, articulated the rationale behind the new production line, stating that products currently imported should ideally be manufactured domestically. This vision propelled the creation of new products that seamlessly integrate into their existing production processes. The new line not only lessens their reliance on imported raw materials but also ensures the delivery of world-class quality products within Egypt. The collaboration with Nabla Solution facilitated the establishment of this fully automated production line at IEFI, adhering to stringent quality standards from design to installation.
Nabla's advanced technology enables the production of healthier margarine using non-hydrogenated oils, with the final product ready for packaging in cartons within a mere three to four hours. Furthermore, the versatile margarine production line has been adapted to produce natural butter, which has achieved a quality level on par with top international brands. Ayman Abo ElSoud, Chairman at IEFI, proudly shared that an official report from the Egyptian Ministry of Health Central Laboratory confirmed their product's equivalence to New Zealand butter, underscoring its superior quality. This achievement allows them to meet local demand, especially for the Panda brand, and paves the way for new product launches in the domestic market.
Beyond the successful launch, the ongoing partnership with Nabla extends to crucial post-start-up support, including responsive on-site technical services and guaranteed spare parts availability. Said Hamdy, Industrial Technical Consultant at Gadwa, attributed the project's success to the synergy between the two teams, praising Nabla's shared passion, foresight, and dedication to long-term collaboration. Looking ahead, Gadwa is actively pursuing innovation in its cheese sector, with Panda Gourmet soon introducing Egypt's first herb-flavored cheese. The group is also expanding its product offerings to include olives, fava beans, frozen fruits and vegetables, and other fat-based products.
Khaled Medany, Supply Chain Director at Arab Dairy, articulated the group's overarching vision: to become the leading producer of healthy food products, committed to quality, innovation, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. To achieve this, they are building a more diverse, flexible, and reliable supply system, ensuring that every new product category starts from a high baseline. The proven success of the margarine line and Nabla's comprehensive solution capabilities have solidified their partnership, affirming Nabla as a natural collaborator for Gadwa's future growth and development strategies.