Animal Feed

The development comes as the UAE continues to rely significantly on imported pet food.

The agreement spans feed, hatcheries, farming, processing, cold chain and distribution.

The company had previously announced plans to acquire 65% of EL.VI.Z, with a further 35% stake planned to be acquired within three years.

The site is the company’s first ground-up factory in more than 50 years.

Companies can access nearly 16,000 tonnes of the country’s stored protein feed reserves from September 1, 2026, through February 2027.

The acquisition expands access to local grain and strengthens Kalmbach’s feed, pet food and ingredient operations.

The approach could add value to palm oil processing, reduce fish oil imports and create new income for small-scale processors and millers.

The solar-powered, off-grid facility can store about 40 million vaccine doses, helping protect them from power outages.

High feed costs, limited access to quality fish seed and weak fish health systems are among the key barriers to aquaculture growth.

Scientists also warned of rising disease transmission between animals and humans linked to antimicrobial resistance.