La Costeña a brand of Vilore, and Matters Group a UAE company Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Establish a Mexican “Ready-to-Eat” Food Production Plant in the United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — October, 22nd, 2025.
Vilore Europe, the official distributor of La Costeña, Sabormex, Clemente Jacques, La Sierra among other globally recognized food brands, and Matters Group, a company specialized in business development and leading innovation projects across Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Mexican “Ready-to-Eat” food production plant in the United Arab Emirates.
The signing ceremony will feature Blanca Martín, representing Vilore EMEA / La Costeña, and Melisa Urtuzuastegui, General Manager of Matters Group.
A Strategic Project for the Future of Global Food Systems
The global “Ready-to-Eat” market continues to grow rapidly, driven by increasing demand for convenient, nutritious, and safe food solutions. This project combines the authenticity of Mexican cuisine —recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity— with advanced food preservation technologies that guarantee long shelf life while maintaining flavor, texture, and quality without refrigeration.
La Costeña’s Expertise and Technological Leadership
With over 100 years of history, La Costeña stands as one of Latin America’s most respected food companies, globally recognized for its cutting-edge technology, industrial efficiency, and uncompromising quality standards.
As part of this alliance, La Costeña will contribute its technical know-how, authentic recipes, and advanced thermal preservation systems, which maintain food freshness and safety without artificial preservatives.
Its R&D teams will oversee the adaptation of traditional Mexican recipes to meet international and halal standards, ensuring that every product captures the genuine flavor and cultural richness of Mexico.
Aligned with the UAE Food Security Strategy
This initiative supports the goals of the United Arab Emirates National Food Security Strategy, which aims to guarantee continuous access to safe, high-quality, and sustainable food sources.
The plant’s preservation and packaging technologies will help reduce dependence on perishable imports, minimize food waste, and enhance regional food resilience in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
A Halal Production Platform for the Middle East and Europe
The new facility will be located in the United Arab Emirates and will be fully halal-certified, catering to the fast-growing demand for authentic, ready-to-eat products across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
It will serve as a hub for production, innovation, and distribution, merging Mexican culinary tradition with advanced food technology, creating new pathways for the global expansion of Latin American brands.
An Innovative Business Model: Ready-to-Operate Taco Shop
Beyond the industrial project, Vilore Europe and Matters Group will jointly launch an innovative business model: the “Ready-to-Operate Taco Shop” — a turnkey concept designed for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to open their own Mexican food outlet with minimal investment, fast setup, and full operational support.
The “Ready-to-Operate Taco Shop” model offers investors a turnkey solution that includes supply of authentic Mexican products by La Costeña, staff training, and complete operational, marketing, and branding support — enabling entrepreneurs to launch profitable Mexican food franchises quickly and efficiently.
This innovative concept aims to democratize access to the Mexican food business, combining the credibility of established brands with the agility of modern entrepreneurship.
Matters Group’s Strategic Role
Matters Group will lead the business development, investment structuring, and commercial expansion strategy across the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).
To strengthen this initiative, Matters Group will leverage Mexico to the World, its institutional platform created to promote and position Mexican products, industries, and innovation in the Middle Eastern market.
Through this ecosystem, the company will facilitate strategic alliances, and investment opportunities that connect Mexico’s most iconic food producers with the rapidly growing halal and convenience food sectors in the region.
Institutional Statements
“La Costeña stands for quality, tradition, and flavor. This project represents an opportunity to bring the best of Mexico to millions of consumers in a region that values authenticity and convenience,” said Blanca Martín, representative of Vilore Europe.
“Our mission is to connect cultures through food and contribute to global food security. This plant will not only produce meals, but also bridge cultures and human connection,”
