Dubai – Sharikat Mubasher: The Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) announced a new strategic minority investment of AED 45 million in UAE premium protein company CarniStore, marking the fund’s first investment in the food sector.

EGF said in a recent press release that the investment will help accelerate CarniStore’s industrial scaling, product development, and expansion into new verticals, while preparing the company for broader regional growth. The partnership also aligns with the fund’s strategy of backing high-potential UAE businesses capable of evolving into long-term “national champions.”

Founded in 2018, CarniStore has built a strong presence in the UAE’s premium protein market by combining traditional butchery expertise with a digital-first retail approach. The company focuses on sourcing high-quality meats while offering customers an online purchasing experience supported by integrated production and distribution.

Khalifa Al Hajeri, CEO of Emirates Growth Fund, said the investment reflects the fund’s mandate to support promising UAE companies through strategic capital and active partnership, helping founders strengthen market strategy, governance, and institutional capabilities as they scale.

Fikry Boutros and Daniel Wanies, co-founders of CarniStore, indicated that the partnership will support the company’s expansion plans while maintaining its focus on premium product quality and customer experience.

Through the investment, EGF will work closely with the company to strengthen governance and operational capacity as CarniStore positions itself for regional growth within the UAE’s expanding premium food sector.