Huge investment in Dubai bottler

Having gained full control of the Union Beverages Factory (UBF) early last year, the Mohammed Abdulla Al Omran group of companies is now investing heavily in an extensive overhaul and expansion of production facilities.
This includes additional lines, adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and quality and further work on already strong distribution networks.
Much of the expansion focuses on UBF’s signature offering, Maaza juice drinks but also extends to other company-owned or franchised brands such as Aqua Q, Royal Crown Cola, Cool Up and Frost.
Mohammed Abdulla Al Omran, chairman of the Mohammed Abdulla Al Omran group said the aim was to take UBF “to greater heights”.
“This move is part of our efforts to enhance the Maaza juice brand and strengthen its competitive advantages in the UAE and neighbouring markets. Being produced since 1974, Maaza is the UAE’s first juice brand of the country – a legacy that we are seeking to enrich.”
The group has had a stake in UBF for several years and helped it move into a new plant in the Jebel Ali Industrial Zone, Dubai South, an area which now includes Dubai’s burgeoning second international airport and a major port.
In addition to soft drink production, UBF produces PET bottles and containers. It has a strong logistics infrastructure of distribution centres, cold storage, warehouses and transport fleet.
Al Omran said the huge investment “reflects our company’s commitment towards supporting the UAE’s vision of innovation. The successful implementation of this initiative also reflects our continuing efforts in helping strengthen the country’s industrial sector, particularly in the food and beverage segment.”
UBF was originally established in Sharjah, another of the UAE’s northern emirates and adjacent to Dubai.