Agthia Academy's First International Program Empowers Emirati Talent in Food Production
Agthia Academy Concludes Its Inaugural International Program
The Agthia Academy has proudly marked the completion of its first international training program aimed at fostering Emirati talent in food production. This initiative, a joint effort between the Agthia Group PJSC and Bühler Group, a Swiss tech company renowned for its food production solutions, serves as an essential step in enhancing the skill sets within the food manufacturing sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Held in Abu Dhabi, the culmination of this program was celebrated with an impressive recognition ceremony attended by S.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism, alongside various strategic partners. Participants of this program benefited from extensive training hours that took place both in Abu Dhabi and Switzerland, covering crucial areas such as milling, baking, and food production techniques. The program effectively merged classroom learning with hands-on experience in Agthia's facilities and Bühler's training centers, giving the participants a well-rounded education in food manufacturing.
Agthia Academy has garnered support from several strategic partners including the Department of Economic Development, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). Academic institutions like Zayed University and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) also play a pivotal role in endorsing this initiative. These collaborations unite various stakeholders including government entities, regulatory bodies, academia, and industry under the shared goal of advancing the UAE's food and beverage sector.
Salmeen Alameri, the CEO of Agthia Group, stressed the importance of knowledge and human resources in ensuring the food sector's resilience. He remarked, “Through the Agthia Academy, we are committed to nurturing the necessary capabilities to advance the UAE’s food ecosystem by connecting Emirati talent with world-class experiences. This program signifies our commitment to concrete actions that cultivate technical skills and knowledge in support of the UAE’s long-term food security ambitions.”
Heiko Feuring, President of Bühler for the Middle East, Africa, and India, highlighted the increasing sophistication of food manufacturing. “Cutting-edge technologies require robust technical knowledge. Through this partnership, we merge Agthia's market leadership with Bühler’s global expertise in food processing. The Academy transforms these strengths into practical training, providing participants with direct contact with the technologies, processes, and technical knowledge essential for modern food production.”
Agthia Academy, powered by Bühler, is a groundbreaking capacity development platform designed to equip Emirati entrepreneurs and food science students with skills in food manufacturing, encompassing milling, baking, and excellence in production. This program pairs theoretical learning with practical technical training at Agthia's facilities in Abu Dhabi, enriched by international training and insights shared in Bühler’s Swiss centers. Consequently, participants gain practical experience and deep understanding of global best practices in food processing and manufacturing.
About Agthia
Agthia Group PJSC is a leading food and beverage company based in Abu Dhabi. With a diverse portfolio of over 20 trusted brands across water and food categories, snacks, proteins, and frozen goods, it operates in seven countries and serves consumers in more than 60 markets worldwide. With over 13,000 employees, Agthia combines scale, strong operational capabilities, innovation, and a firm commitment to sustainability to create long-term value throughout the food and beverage industry’s value chain.