Pakistan’s meat industry exports are set to surge as The Organic Meat Company Limited (TOMCL) becomes the first Pakistani firm approved for direct sales to Carrefour UAE. Announced on August 8, 2025, TOMCL passed a rigorous audit by Carrefour Majid Al Futtaim, scoring 94.89% for hygiene, systems, and operational excellence. This milestone opens doors to UAE’s retail and foodservice sectors, promising a boost for Pakistan’s economy.
Stance from One of The Processor of Meat Industry
“This is a game-changer for us,” said Faisal, a Karachi-based meat processor, his voice filled with pride. The approval allows TOMCL to supply halal meat across Carrefour’s UAE network, enhancing brand visibility and market reach. Despite a dip in Pakistan’s overall meat exports to 114,112 tonnes ($495 million) in FY25, TOMCL’s success signals growth potential, building on its $4 million UAE contracts in 2024.
The breakthrough follows TOMCL’s expansion into meat industry markets like Tajikistan, with $3.24 million in orders, and its ability to navigate past UAE restrictions on fresh chilled meat by focusing on frozen and vacuum-packed products. The company’s compliance with international standards has made it a trusted name in the Gulf, where 62% of Pakistan’s regional exports go to the UAE.
However, challenges remain. A 2023 UAE ban on fresh chilled meat via sea, due to substandard shipments from another exporter, underscores the need for consistent quality. Some on X praise TOMCL’s achievement, but others call for broader industry reforms to sustain growth. “We need more companies like this,” tweeted a Lahore trader.
New Opportunities for Local Meat Industry Suppliers
For workers like Faisal and rural farmers supplying livestock, this opens new opportunities, but they urge government support for infrastructure and fair pricing. As Pakistan’s meat exports gain global traction, TOMCL’s UAE milestone marks a hopeful step forward for the nation’s trade ambitions.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 8th, 2025
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