Post by : Badri Ariffin

Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), a leading name in the UAE's food and beverage sector, has unveiled an ambitious initiative focused on reducing added sugar in its products by 10 to 20 percent. This initiative encompasses several well-known brands, such as Al Ain Farms and Marmum Dairy, and is a critical component of efforts to promote healthier dietary choices across the nation.

This sugar-reduction strategy resonates with Abu Dhabi’s Healthy Living Strategy, an extensive program that unites both governmental bodies and private enterprises to advance public health through sustainable solutions. The initiative, part of 28 strategic projects, aims to enhance the nutritional quality of everyday food items while ensuring they remain tasty, affordable, and beneficial for residents.

AAFG's commitment was strengthened through a partnership with Healthy Living and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), embodying a unified approach towards elevating nutrition standards within the local food market. Through this initiative, AAFG plans to reformulate a diverse range of dairy and beverage products, reducing sugar levels without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed AlKhazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, underscored that enhancing the nutritional quality of everyday foods is pivotal in fostering healthier lifestyle practices within communities. He emphasized the impact of making nutritious options more accessible, paving the way for healthier public health outcomes.

Dr. AlKhazraji commended AAFG for its proactive leadership in the industry, praising the firm’s role in nurturing the UAE’s healthy food landscape. According to him, large-scale initiatives like this are instrumental in creating sustainable shifts within food environments and incentivizing broader engagement in enhancing nutrition standards.

“By establishing attainable benchmarks, Al Ain Farms Group is illustrating how regional manufacturers can significantly contribute to public health goals, while still upholding consumer choices and maintaining product quality,” he stated.

His Excellency Eng Abdulla Hassan Al Muaini, Executive Director of the Central Testing Laboratory at QCC, welcomed AAFG's initiative, deeming it crucial for empowering informed consumer choices and enhancing food quality benchmarks within the UAE.

AAFG Group CEO Hassan Safi stated that this initiative reflects the company's enduring dedication to innovation and nutrition. He highlighted that the reformulation aims to enhance the nutritional content of everyday products without compromising flavor or quality.

“Our focus is on merging product innovation with forward-thinking reformulation to ensure healthier options are easier for consumers to access. This initiative builds on our prior no-added-sugar beverage launches and marks another step in responsible food innovation,” said Safi.

In line with its broader vision for healthier options, AAFG rolled out a new health-centric product line in April 2026. Under this initiative, the company will start reformulating popular household items like flavored milk, yogurt, and laban, sold through Al Ain Farms and Marmum Dairy brands.

These revised products are set to hit store shelves ahead of the Back-to-School season in September 2026, providing families with lower-sugar alternatives during a peak shopping time.

Industry experts view this initiative as a noteworthy example of how cooperation between government bodies and food producers can tackle the pressing issue of excessive sugar intake, especially in children and young demographics. Health professionals have consistently warned against high sugar consumption due to its link with obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health problems.

AAFG’s pledge amplifies the momentum surrounding food reformulation efforts in the UAE and emphasizes the significant role of the private sector in meeting national health goals. With ongoing alliances with industry stakeholders, Healthy Living aspires to uplift food settings and guarantee that healthier choices become more predominant across communities throughout the emirate and beyond.

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