LIBYA’S RETAIL AND FOOD PRODUCTION AND SECTOR IS STILL RELATIVLY SMALL AND UNDERDEVELOPED BUT HAS SEEN A RETURN TO STABILITY AND PRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.

WHILST THIS BRIEF DOCUMENT HIGHLIGHTS THE MAJOR PLAYERS THERE ARE MANY MORE.

PLEASE CONTACT THE BRITISH LIBYAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE TO HELP GUIDE YOU IN DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITIES AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN LIBYA. 

 

THE RETAIL SECTOR in Libya has been significantly impacted by the country’s ongoing political and economic instability since the 2011 revolution.

Retail trade in Libya is mainly dominated by small, traditional markets and street vendors, with a limited number of modern shopping centres and supermarkets. However, this has changed significantly in the last 24 months with the largest cities, such as Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi opening modern retail outlets.

The potential for growth and development exists, particularly with the emergence of a young, tech-savvy population that is increasingly demanding modern retail experiences and e-commerce options.

FOOD PRODUCTION in Libya faces several challenges due to the country’s arid climate, limited arable land, and lack of investment in agriculture. The country is heavily dependent on imports to meet its food needs however recent projects and initiatives have worked to address this imbalance through the opening of food production facilities and improvements in Agriculture.

The food manufacturing industry in Libya is mainly focused on the production of basic foodstuffs, such as pasta, bread, dairy and canned goods. The sector is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises that hVE FACED difficulties accessing financing and securing reliable raw material supplies.

However, there are opportunities for growth and development in the sector, particularly with the increasing demand for processed and packaged foods among the country’s growing urban population. The Libyan government has identified the food manufacturing sector as a priority area for investment, and efforts are being made to promote private investment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Overall, the food manufacturing sector in Libya faces significant challenges, but there is potential for growth and development with the right investment and support.

 

AL-JAIED COMPANY FOR FOOD INDUSTRIES 

Al-Jaied Company for Food Industries is a prominent food manufacturing company based in Misrata, Libya. Established in 2017, it has quickly established itself as one of the leading companies operating under the ALETAH Group company in Libya.

The company’s primary objective is to meet the consumers’ needs for high-quality juices, dairy products, and their derivatives. Al-Jaied Food Industries Company takes pride in being associated with some of the leading players in the juice industry, such as the global heavyweight Koro, which owns the Sun Top brand.

One of the core strengths of Al-Jaied Food Industries Company is its commitment to excellence, which is evidenced by the continuous investments it makes in research and development, innovation, and process improvement. The company’s management board is always seeking ways to stay ahead of the competition by adopting the latest technologies, trends, and industry best practices.

Through its relentless pursuit of excellence, Al-Jaied Food Industries Company has established itself as a benchmark for quality and innovation in the food manufacturing industry. The company’s unwavering dedication to meeting the consumers’ needs and exceeding their expectations is what has enabled it to gain the trust and loyalty of its customers, as well as to maintain its position as a leading food manufacturing company in Libya.

Al-Jaied Company for Food Industries boasts an extensive range of high-quality food products that cater to a diverse range of consumer needs. Among the company’s offerings are premium juices, cheeses, dairy products, tuna, pasta, tomato paste, cooking oil.

The company’s commitment to excellence in food production is exemplified by the use of the latest technologies and advanced manufacturing processes that enable it to deliver products that meet and exceed consumers’ expectations.

Al-Jaied is importing many food items including:

Suntop Juice – Sunquick Juice – condensed milk powder – sterilized milk – cheeses of various sizes and weights – corn oil – sunflower oil – canned tuna of all sizes and weights – legumes – paste Canned tomatoes – Bread flour – Food sugar – Poultry eggs – Poultry meat.

Al-Jaied has earned a reputation as a trusted food manufacturer in Libya and beyond.

Judi for Food Industries Co.  

Judi for Food Industries Co. is a food manufacturing and distribution company that is headquartered in Tripoli, Libya. The company produces a diverse range of food products, including milk, fruit juice, cheese, yogurt, and jam. These products are typically sold in carton packaging, which is convenient for consumers and helps to preserve the freshness and quality of the food.

One of the key strengths of Judi for Food Industries Co. is its impressive production capacity of 120 tons per day indicating that the company has a large-scale operation and is capable of producing significant quantities of food products on a daily basis. This production capacity is essential for meeting the high demand for food products in Libya, as well as for exporting products to other countries in the region.

Judi for Food Industries Co. relies heavily on imports for its raw materials. The company imports banana puree and whole milk powder from countries such as New Zealand, Chile, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. This suggests that the company may be vulnerable to changes in global trade policies and fluctuations in exchange rates, which could impact the cost and availability of these raw materials.

Despite this vulnerability, Judi for Food Industries Co. is one of the leading producers of milk and fruit juice in carton packaging in Libya. The company has a strong market position and a significant market share in the country’s food industry. The company’s focus on carton packaging indicates a commitment to providing high-quality and convenient products.

Overall, Judi for Food Industries Co. is a large and well-established food company in Libya with a strong market position. While the company may be vulnerable to external economic factors, its large production capacity and leading market position indicate that it is likely to remain a major player in Libya’s food industry.

The Golden Feather Company

The Golden Feather Company for Importing and Distributing Foodstuffs is a leading enterprise in the field of importing and distributing food products in Libya. The company has gained a reputation for its exceptional quality products, efficient service, and reliability.

One of the key reasons for the company’s success is its exclusive partnerships with globally renowned brands, such as Foster Clark’s, Ferrero Rocher, and Kit Kat and many more. These partnerships have allowed the company to provide high-quality food products to its customers and build a strong presence in the market.

Located in the city of Tripoli the company’s strategic location provides optimal accessibility to customers throughout the region.

The Golden Feather Company’s commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and timely delivery has helped it to forge long-lasting relationships with its customers. making it a preferred choice for businesses and individuals alike.

In conclusion, The Golden Feather Company for Importing and Distributing Foodstuffs is a well-respected and successful enterprise in the food industry in Libya. With its exceptional products, exclusive partnerships, and commitment to customer satisfaction, it continues to be a leader in the import and distribution of food products in the region.

Akath Trading and Marketing Company

Akath Trading and Marketing Company is a local company that specializes in the distribution of food and beverage products. The company is committed to providing high-quality products and services to its customers, and it has become a trusted name in the industry.

As an authorized agent for well-known companies such as Americana, Steel dairy products, and Domty, they are able to offer a wide range of products to its customers.

In addition to distributing products, Akath Trading and Marketing Company also offers marketing and promotional services to its clients. The company’s experienced marketing team works closely with its clients to create effective marketing strategies that help them to increase their sales and grow their businesses in the retail sector

AJYAL Business Group

AJYAL Libya Group is a family-owned business with a history of over 90 years in the trade industry. Over the years, the company has evolved into a leading manufacturing and distribution corporation across the FMCG sector. The company’s success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing market trends and consumer demands, as well as its commitment to quality and innovation.

One of the key strategic decisions that AJYAL made was to pivot towards the Infant Nutrition sector in 1992. This decision proved to be a wise one, as the company has since become a household name in the field, known for its high-quality products and innovative formulations. Today, AJYAL is recognized as a leader in the Infant Nutrition space, offering a wide range of products that cater to the unique needs of infants and young children.

However, AJYAL’s success is not limited to Infant Nutrition alone. The company has also established itself as a trusted brand in other FMCG categories, such as canned tuna, milk powder, vinyl gloves, and beverages. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in each of its product lines, which are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

In addition to its core manufacturing and distribution businesses, AJYAL is also actively involved in various social and community initiatives. The company is committed to giving back to the community and has undertaken several initiatives aimed at supporting education, healthcare, and other social causes in Libya and beyond.

Overall, AJYAL Libya Group’s success is a testament to the company’s long-standing commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With its diversified portfolio of businesses and its focus on social responsibility, the company is well-positioned to continue its growth and success for many years to come. 

El Rayhan Food Co. 

The company El Rayhan was founded in 1989 and started producing halva in all its varieties. In 2000, the company signed a contract with Tetra Pak and began producing natural juices in 111 ml and 500 ml sizes.

Between 2003-2005, the company worked to increase its production capacity by adding one line for 111 ml and two lines for 500 ml.

In 2007, a new factory was established to produce milk and juices in all their varieties to keep up with the industry and make El Rayhan a leader in the field of manufacturing among many companies. In 2010, El Rayhan increased its production capacity in both 111 ml and 500 ml sizes.

By 2019, El Rayhan took another look at the community’s needs at affordable prices and the company signed contracts with major Tunisian, Italian, and Indonesian companies to supply cheese, tuna, tomato paste, cooking oil, and pasta.

El Rayhan’s development journey continued until it was able to showcase the changing Libyan market and redirect the focus on boosting the country’s economy and raising the name of Libyan companies in Arab, African, and Middle Eastern markets. In 2020, the production capacity was increased to both sizes and a new label was added for 125 ml packaging to meet market demands.

Sunbulah Company for Food Industries

Sunbulah Company for Food Industries is a well-known and respected food company that operates under the umbrella of B&C Food Group. The company is a family-owned business that specializes in producing and distributing a variety of high-quality food products, including spreads, chocolates, jams, and butter.

Founded in 2010 in Tripoli, Libya, Sunbulah Company has quickly become a popular and trusted brand among consumers in Libya and the surrounding region. The company’s commitment to producing top-quality products is evident in every aspect of their business, from sourcing the finest ingredients to using the latest food production techniques and technologies.

One of the key features of Sunbulah Company is their dedication to meeting European food standards. This commitment to quality has earned the company a loyal following among consumers who appreciate the company’s dedication to excellence.

Sunbulah Company for Food Industries is an example of a successful family-owned business that is committed to producing and distributing high-quality food products to consumers in Libya and beyond. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, the company is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.

Al-Naseem company: 

“Al-Naseem” is a private company with a capital of 10 million Libyan dinars. It originated as a family business for the Al-Raied family. The company was established in 1994. The company owns a factory in the city of Misrata that extends over an area of 8 hectares, of which 3 hectares are covered. Its production capacity is more than 300,000 liters of milk per day, and they currently employ more than 1,000 producers and employees, including 25% with higher industry qualifications

Al-Naseem Company includes production lines for the manufacture of yogurt of all kinds, natural, flavored, Shaza, 2 Nice fruit jam (Yuti Frutti) mixed with fruit pieces in packages of 125 g. Fruit-flavored apples in different sizes, small, medium, and large packages.

Additionally, it operates an ice cream factory, which recently witnessed development, it works to produce a large variety of different ice creams that differ in their content and flavors which are well respected in the retail sector.

Al-Naseem Company has obtained the Libyan quality mark and the ISO 9001 and 22000 certificates.

The company owns approximately 75 percent of the volume of the Libyan market and distributes its products (approximately 20 items and brands) in all Libyan cities. They also export significant quantities to Tunisia

Arar Company: 

Arar Trading has a history of more than 35 years in the Libyan market

The establishment started in 1978 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and it is based on the trade of legumes. In 1990, Arar started its business in Libya by importing Mastic Gum, then in 2005 it was officially established and started Importing Food Stuff, Arar took the lead progressively in developing Libyan Markets goods and becoming a familiar entity that offers products that meet consumer requirements.

Arar invested with several local and regional exclusive agencies in the Middle East Region (Lebanon, UAE, Turkey, Jordan) and is a reliable supplier of  international and high-quality brands.  

Al-Zahraa Company:

Al-Zahra Company was established in early 2015 and began preparing the Al-Zahra factory to produce oils in early 2016. The company developed an integrated factory with the latest international specifications and standards in the field of vegetable oil production.

The company aims to distribute its product in the Libyan market and fill the market deficit due to the increase in demand and lack of import and supply and to contribute to the support and development of the national economy by providing products of high quality to enhance the company’s name and reputation as a leading company in the field of vegetable oil production and its derivatives. Within its plan, the company plans to expand and move to the export stage after filling the needs of the Libyan market.

Its production line is designed with acapacity of 8,000 bottles of 1-liter oil per working hour.

The factory relies on modern mechanization and integrated automated systems. The product goes through automatic packaging. Crude oil is contained in large, sterile tanks with a storage capacity of 5,000 tons.

HB Group:

HB Group was founded in 1952 by the late Ibrahim Husni Bey, primarily operating as a logistics company. Over the years, the Group has grown rapidly, gradually expanding, and diversifying its activities, and subsequently transforming its core business.  Today, HB Group, through family members’ holdings, has evolved to become the premier importer and distributor in Libya for market-leading brands in the FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, Logistics, Manufacturing, and Commodities sectors.

HB Group has remained very active during various transitional phases of change and uncertainty for the country, often leading the way in attracting foreign investments and trade.

The Group was re-established and grew exponentially in Libya during and after the 1990s. During previous regimes group companies were randomly subjected to asset freezes and nationalization. In these difficult times the HB Group asserted itself as a major player throughout.

HB Group is recognized internationally as the premier private holding company in Libya. It has become widely acknowledged as a market leader in its numerous activities and continues to undertake further substantial quantitative and qualitative business development initiatives. These initiatives both broaden and deepen their activities and have enabled the Group to expand into new sectors such as Commercial Real Estate, (Hotels, Retail Complexes, shopping malls, and leisure facilities), financial services, oil services, and manufacturing.

HB Group is formed by several independent entities operating across multiple commercial sectors. The number of individual entities currently in operation, and in which Husni Bey family members have a significant stake, exceeds 30. Operations are predominantly based in Libya and typically in cooperation with international partners. An increasing proportion of thier activity is now international and is developing in European, Middle Eastern, and North African regions.

The organizational structure of HB Group is not typical of most conglomerate entities. The businesses in which members of the Husni Bey family are shareholders remain fully independent, all with their independent boards of directors and management and with ‘fit for purpose’ shareholding structure.

The central or core Group function is primarily that of strategic alignment and facilitation of activities in pursuit of individual company objectives. This involves the coordination of family member interests and unlocking business potential through the application of international best practices and the implementation of common policies and procedures – where appropriate. The primary reasons for this ‘collaborative’ type structure are:

  • No historical recognition of, or benefit derived from, the consolidated holding company concept within Libyan commercial law. This is now in the process of being reformed.
  • Risk management. Under the previous political regime, should one entity encounter any regulatory or governmental problems, other entities would remain unaffected.
  • Each company operates independently, develops, and implements its strategies, sets, and manages its budgets, and is fully accountable for its performance. This focuses the directors and management to ensure that the company they represent remains viable, profitable, and specialized.
  • Where opportunities are available, either within existing companies or through the creation of new ventures, the Group management function facilitates the development of these opportunities where required. This takes the form of arranging visits, developing appropriate partnership and legal structures, defining the terms of the relationship, building business plans, securing, and structuring investment capital (if required), supporting the ongoing relationship with partners or authorities, and providing advice and assistance where appropriate.

FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods):

HB Group has reshaped the local FMCG environment by constantly challenging the accepted market standards and gradually introducing progressive improvements.

HB Group is widely recognized as the premier, pioneer FMCG market distributor in the Libyan private sector. Partnering with multiple world-leading brands has enabled HB Group to develop its own branded distribution channels. The Group has created an unrivaled logistics and sales network within Libya, basing its approach on innovative marketing and creative access to the market. Many of the brands distributed by HB Group were amongst the first to appear on Libyan television, the first to be mentioned in Libyan newspapers, and the first to be supported by high-profile campaigns and promotions. The FMCG distribution business model in Libya has developed from being essentially a wholesale-type operation, into a more sophisticated direct distribution system.

Through its subsidiaries Al Nakhlatein and Al Rayaheen, HB Group operates a fleet of over 480 distribution vehicles servicing the whole of Libya, providing high quality, specialized, on-time delivery of ambient, chilled, or frozen products.

HB Group is very selective in its choices of new business partners and suppliers looking for long-term investments and partnerships that develop and flourish in an environment of trust and transparency. current operations are centered around six clearly defined divisions, ensuring dedicated, highly specialized staff, sales, and delivery performance:

  • Dairy
  • Beverages
  • Food
  • Confectionary
  • Personal Care
  • Detergents

Food Processing & Manufacturing:

HB Group has ventured into the food processing and manufacturing sectors in Libya by undertaking projects to establish factories to produce its brands of soft drinks, dairy products, and canned foods.

In 2004, HB Group acquired interest, managed, and restructured Junub El Mutawasset, a company dedicated to food processing (tuna canning). Junub Al Mutawasset was established in 1997 with its facility in Al Khoms where it employs over 60 people. Today, the company is the market leader for “Made in Libya” Tuna.

Through its company Al Mutallatat Food Processing, HB Group established a joint venture to manufacture fruit juice and processed cheese in 2007, establishing a factory in Sbeha, 45 km from Tripoli, with a total land area of 16 hectares and over 8000 m2 of production and storage facilities, employing 100 people.

The company operates high-end juice filling machines which produce a combined output of 12,000 liters per hour, and new, state-of-the-art cheese processing machines that produce a total of 600 triangular cheese portions per minute, an output of 540 kg per hour.

This business partnership was developed to unlock opportunities in the market for locally branded and manufactured processed cheese and fruit juice in Libya – a market segment in which both partners have extensive experience and business activities.

HB’s current mission is to create an environment and a culture where absolute consumer satisfaction is the highest priority, producing products of uncompromising quality. Their main objective is to continuously strive to surpass accomplishments and be recognized as a leader in the industry, locally and internationally.

Al-Sahl Group Holding:

Since the end of the 1950s Alsahl Group have been committed to developing as a catalyst for the transformation of Libya.

At a time when Libya still suffered from the destructive effects of World War II, our commitment to its transformation was articulated via our pioneering initial investments in the agricultural products sector, a key pillar of Libya’s food security.

Anchored by their transformative vision, and driven by a culture defined by world-class professionalism, the Group further diversified its activities, and today its present in five (5) sectors of vital importance to Libya’s economic competitiveness and the improvement of its citizens’ standard of living.

From their inception, they have invested in uncompromising quality and service excellence as their currency for gaining the trust and confidence of consumers in Libya and beyond.

Their main activities are investing, producing, importing, marketing, and distributing products & services across 5 business sectors to businesses serving our target consumers or directly to retail consumers.

with the expertise and experience needed to convert opportunity into shareholder value, based on a Swiss-inspired development philosophy and supported by leading international partners, and world-class commercial operations aligned with success while mitigating risks.

Several companies under the umbrella of Alsahl Group, some of these companies are:

Al Sahel Al Akhdar for Mills and Feed: 

Founded in 2003 in Tripoli, Al Sahel Al Akhdar for Mills and Feed is Libya’s leading manufacturer and supplier of animal feed, controlling around 45% of the national market, and commanding a growing presence in regional African markets.

With Libya’s food security/safety their utmost priority made real by their national presence and state-of-the-art production facilities, coupled with their growing portfolio of international-caliber products targeting the nutrition needs of a wide range of livestock, today they have become the standard-bearer farmers in Libya have come to depend on.

With more than one factory, Al Sahel Al Akhdar for Mills and Feed operates in the western region with more than four factories and other cities such as Benghazi.

State-of-the-art, and producing various feed types, Al-Sayeh Feed Factory has a production capacity of 50 tons per hour and an annual production capacity of 315,000 tons, considered the highest capacity among all factories.

Food House:

Food House is one of the largest FMCG in Libya. Their business model involves the importation of reliable quality FMCG and distribution of them all over the country. The value Food House adds to the Libyan Food Sector is attributed to the high quality of its products and the reasonability of its prices.

They are the exclusive distributor for many leading FMCG names on a global scale such as Almarai and Segafredo. The rapid growth of the company has been recognized by Coca-Cola, which has granted its exclusive distribution rights in Libya to Food House.

With the help of their European manufacturing partners, they have recently adopted a private labeling policy, which has allowed them to fulfill the needs of their customers more efficiently. Food House is part of the Alshal Group, which its roots trace back to the early 1950s when its founder (Mehdi Gadad) started distributing olive oil in Azizia (a small village located in the suburbs of Tripoli).

Food House started its operation in Libya in 2011. Today, the company has more than 150 distribution vehicles with a wide variety of FMCG brands. Some of the brands that Food House owns:

Prima, Albaraka, Tamam, Bella, Baraket, Tebra, Basama.