iD Fresh bets big on global expansion after Apax deal

READY-TO-COOK fresh foods brand iD Fresh Food is doubling down on international expansion after a strategic investment from funds advised by Apax Partners, with plans to set up a manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia later this year and enter the UK and US markets within the next 3-5 years.

- ANEES HUSSAIN

Speaking to FE, Jaipal Singal, vice-chairman and global CFO at iD Fresh Food, outlined the company's growth plans across the GCC, Europe, and North America, adding that it is also scouting for acquisition opportunities in adjacent categories, both domestically and internationally.

"Saudi, we started only 3 years back, and today we are still only 25% of where we can be in the next 2-3 years. Currently, we have only one GCC manufacturing facility in the UAE, which is nearly at full capacity. A new manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, later this year, will not only serve the growing local market but also cater to neighbouring countries like Bahrain and Qatar," Singal said.

The company expects UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 75% of its GCC business, he added.