UAE's NRTC acquires Egypt’s Al Hashemeya Farms

Founded in 1973, NRTC supplies retailers, hospitality groups, healthcare institutions, airlines, and individual consumers through wholesale channels and its e-commerce platform, NRTC Fresh.

The acquisition marks a strategic step in NRTC’s long-term vision to secure a sustainable supply of fresh produce and strengthen food security across the region through upstream agricultural integration.

“This acquisition is a pivotal milestone in our journey to control quality at the source, invest in food system resilience, and deliver fresher, better produce to our customers,” stated NRTC CEO Mohammed Al Refaee.

Expanding agricultural footprint

Al Hashemeya spans approximately 10,000 acres, with 70 percent currently under cultivation. Its crop portfolio includes citrus fruits, olives, mangoes, grapes, dates, wheat, and sugar beet.

The estate features over two million fruit trees and is equipped with centre-pivot irrigation systems and solar-powered water infrastructure.

With an annual output of up to 70,000 tonnes, the farm significantly expands NRTC’s agricultural base, allowing direct control over quality and reducing reliance on third-party suppliers.

Strengthening food security

The acquisition enables NRTC to better manage supply chain risks, enhance resilience, and contribute to regional food security efforts across the GCC.

It also reflects rising investor interest in Egypt’s agribusiness sector, supported by the country’s arable land, favourable climate, and proximity to key markets.

Future expansion plans

NRTC plans to further expand across Africa, targeting scalable, climate-resilient farming models that align with sustainability and economic development goals.

Attracting Gulf investment is a key objective for Egypt as it seeks to boost foreign currency liquidity, create jobs, and increase private sector participation in the economy, targets aligned with the country’s $8 billion loan programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).