Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), the major Life Sciences hub in the Middle East and a member of TECOM Investments, today announced Chr. Hansen Middle East and Africa FZ-LLC, a global bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, has set up operations at the park following its strategy to better capture the Middle East and Africa region’s emerging market potential.
The company’s relocation to DuBiotech comes as an organic progression to its exponential growth, since establishing its regional headquarters in Dubai in 2004. Chr. Hansen currently enjoys market leadership in the cultures and enzymes, as well as health and nutrition and natural colour divisions.
The new state-of-the-art application centre at the high-tech Nucleotide laboratory complex in DuBiotech will enable Chr. Hansen Middle East and Africa to offer innovative solutions that meet the demand for healthy, safe and convenient products.
Marwan Abdul Aziz, Director of Business Development at DuBiotech, said: “We welcome Chr. Hansen Middle East and Africa to DuBiotech, which adds a global leader in a unique business segment to our portfolio. Companies such as Chr. Hansen Middle East and Africa work behind the scenes and contribute to a lot of food and beverages products.
“The region is witnessing a surge in the food flavouring industry, with both local and international players competing to maximise their share in the market. Backed by the enabling environment at DuBiotech, we are confident that Chr. Hansen will scale new avenues of growth.”
Jogvan Houmann, Director, Chr. Hansen Middle East and Africa FZ-LLC, said: “DuBiotech is one of the few free zones in Dubai that offers a food license, making it an ideal choice for Chr. Hansen Middle East and Africa. The park also provides several facilities that assist in exploring innovative concepts and exciting products to improve our offerings in the MEA food and health sector. Our new application facility offers highly specialized equipment to conduct product trials and customer trainings, which will allow us to meet the rising demand to provide technical support.”
Chr. Hansen marked a revenue of EUR636 million, recording nearly 15 per cent growth as compared to last year. Furthermore, it is expected to grow by 8-10 per cent in the short-term. Research and development (R&D) is a key investment area for the global bioscience leader with an estimate expenditure of EUR40 million, corresponding to six per cent of its revenue.
Launched in 2005, DuBiotech offers a facilitating environment for major players in the life sciences industry and research through adopting a sustainable strategy and leveraging the benefits of its location in Dubai. In 2010, DuBiotech opened the high-tech Nucleotide laboratory complex and the warehousing facilities. The park currently hosts over 86 biotechnology, pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment companies and testing laboratories, including Pfizer, Amgen, Merck Serono, and Genzyme.
