Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina and Arabian Food Industries Company (Domty) have agreed to form a joint venture (JV) to export cheese from Egypt to Africa and the Middle East.

In the proposed JV, FrieslandCampina will hold a 51% stake while the remaining 49% stake will be held by Domty.

Arabian Food Industries vice CEO Mohamed Damaty said: “We have been seeking this venture as a company for long. We believe that our products can fit well into the African market and joining forces with FrieslandCampina will help us a lot to do so.

“We are optimistic about the venture and its ability to grow in the future.”

Established in 1989, Arabian Food Industries is a major cheese manufacturer in Egypt, with its market-leading cheese brand Domty.

The company has registered a turnover of more than €100m in white cheese (feta type), mozzarella and cream cheese, as well as fruit juices and bakery products.

FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy Africa managing director Dustin Woodward said: “We are very excited about the joint venture with Domty. Combining our joint expertise, capabilities and footprint will allow us to nourish more African families than ever before.

“Over the next few years, we will bring exciting innovations that will create new cheese propositions that are more healthy, affordable and accessible to consumers across Africa and the Middle East.”

Arabian Food Industries has been widening its portfolio to different cheese formats and types through the years.

It is also focussed on expanding its market reach within Egypt and export operations in the Middle East and the Gulf region.