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Arla Foods has today (14 August 2025) announced a €50.9 million investment in its Bahrain site to increase production capacity of its spreadable cheese glass jars.

The dairy cooperative said its investment aims to support growing demand for its jarred spreadable cheese products, sold across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) under its Puck brand.

Arla said demand for the product is especially high during Ramadan and back-to-school seasons, with production at the site in Bahrain almost at capacity during these peaks. In two years, these occasions will take place at the same time due to the date change of Ramadan.

In order to future-proof the brand for this expected growth in demand, the €50.9 million investment will add approximately 30% to the site’s current production capacity. Construction is set to begin at the end of 2025.

The investment includes both production facilities and warehouse, and will result in the creation of around 20 new jobs. By utilising the roof of added building structures for solar panels as well as changing the cooling set-up, the carbon emissions per ton of product will also be reduced.

Lillie La Valeur, executive vice president of international at Arla Foods, said: “We have a great production setup already in place and we have a popular product expected to grow in demand. Combined with our ambitious company strategy and solid financial situation, that makes for a logical investment to make and I am very pleased to announce it today.”

She added: "The MENA region is important to us not just on a commercial level. As a food company, we want to inspire great food habits and help consumers make smart choices when it comes to nutrition and cooking. We have that connection with consumers in the MENA region but we know we need to work hard to keep their trust and this investment is a natural part of that commitment."

Top image: © Arla Foods