The goodness of Ghaf, the national tree of the UAE, will now be available as a bottled drink in the run-up to the country’s National Day.
To be manufactured and marketed by the UAE-based Barakat, the Ghaf Tree drink has been conceptualised and developed by Salma Alzaabi and is the winning incubation in the ‘F&B Innovation Lab 2.0’.
The ‘F&B Innovation Lab 2.0’ – organised by Khalifa Fund and the F&B Manufacturers Business Group (FBMG) – is a programme aimed at discovering, guiding, and mentoring the UAE’s up-and-coming innovators within the F&B ecosystem.
Ghaf, known scientifically as Prosopis Cineraria, is a remarkable heat-resistant and drought-tolerant tree, which remains green in the harshest of conditions. It has a very special place in the UAE culture and heritage and is vital for the survival of animal and plant species in arid areas.
The tree, which cannot be cut without government’s permission, can develop long roots and reach water deep in the sand. The leaves are an excellent source of protein.
Alzaabi said of her idea: “My idea, which my mother has a key role in encouraging and supporting me with, was to use Ghaf leaves juice as a food product in addition to ingredients that go along with it.
“It gives me utmost pleasure that my product will reach the market.”
A total of 172 innovators applied to the F&B Innovation Lab 2.0, and 42 selected candidates received over 50 hours of rigorous mentoring and coaching. By the end of the programme, six new products were developed by innovators. Five potential partnerships are currently in their pre-commercialisation phase, while one partnership deal has been inked with Barakat.
Alia Al Mazrouei. CEO, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: “We are incredibly proud of the results of the latest F&B Innovation Lab. The concepts that we have seen in this cohort have been nothing short of amazing. This time around, we are bringing an innovative Ghaf tree drink to the market which isn’t just at the intersection of health, sustainability, and convenience, but also represents UAE culture and heritage.”
“The Ghaf is well-known for the health-giving properties of its leaves which make it a superfood. We’re excited to see the future of this product and Salma’s progression within the F&B sector.”
The idea is driven by the purpose of reducing import food products and supporting local production instead while providing secure pesticide-free food. F&B Lab, with the support of Al Barakat Company, has facilitated the transformation of these ideas on papers into actual products.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of UAE Food and Beverage Business Group, noted: “New product development is the key driver that keeps the Food and Beverage sector vibrant and aligned with the changing consumer behaviour and trends. The F&B Innovation Lab programme has been able to bring the focus to this very essential area and ensure that young nationals are exposed to this core activity making them a valuable human talent for the F&B sector.”
Follow us on
