Edita Food Industries S.A.E. (EFID.CA on the Egyptian Exchange & EFID.L on the London Stock Exchange), a leader in Egypt’s packaged snack food market, has announced a significant step in its regional expansion strategy with the acquisition of a 49% stake in Tuama Jebur Abbas (TJA), an Iraqi snack manufacturing company based in Baghdad. The agreement, valued at USD 8 million, marks Edita’s first local production presence in Iraq, paving the way for future growth in the country’s expanding snack food market.
The partnership also includes plans for Edita to invest approximately USD 27 million in Iraq over the next three years. These investments will focus on expanding operations, doubling production capacity, and tapping into the growing demand for packaged snacks in Iraq.
TJA, founded in 2018, is a family-owned company specializing in high-quality packaged snacks and operates a factory equipped with three production lines—two for cakes and one for biscuits. The partnership will allow Edita to leverage TJA’s local expertise, while also transferring its industrial capabilities and technical know-how to optimize production efficiency and product quality.
Under the terms of the agreement, Edita will establish Edita Iraq through a UAE-based holding company, securing management control. The acquisition will enable Edita to launch its portfolio of well-known brands, including Molto and Tiger Tail, which generated approximately USD 10.2 million in exports to Iraq in 2023. With the new local production setup, Edita plans to move beyond its previous export-focused model and strengthen its footprint in Iraq.
Strategic Growth in an Untapped Market
Eng. Hani Berzi, Group Chairman and CEO of Edita Food Industries, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “Today marks a pivotal moment in Edita’s regional expansion strategy. Iraq’s growing economy and untapped snack food market present a unique opportunity for us to establish a national champion. We’re excited to partner with TJA, whose local expertise will help us bring Edita’s innovation to Iraqi consumers.”
Menna Shams El Din, Chief Investment Officer & Corporate Affairs of Edita, also highlighted the long-term growth potential. “This strategic investment will be a key growth driver for Edita. The acquisition of TJA will allow us to quickly enter the Iraqi market, with plans to invest over USD 27 million in the next three years. These investments will expand operations, more than double production capacity, and unlock new opportunities in the packaged snack food market.”
Collaborating for Success
Qusay Tuama Jebur, Managing Director of TJA, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting, “This collaboration with Edita is a significant milestone for us. By combining our local expertise with Edita’s capabilities, we will enhance production and deliver high-quality products that cater to the growing needs of the local market.”
The partnership has also garnered support from the Iraqi government. Hussein Al Mansour, the Commercial Attaché at the Iraq Embassy, remarked, “We congratulate Edita and Tuama Jebur Abbas on this strategic partnership, which represents a significant step in advancing Iraq’s food industry. The Iraqi government remains committed to supporting investments that
