Hunter Foods : A Legacy of Gourmet Innovation

Headquartered in the heart of Jafza, Dubai, UAE, Hunter Foods is a pioneering manufacturer of innovative, gourmet, and “Better-for-You” snacks and foods. Since its inception in 1985, the company has evolved from a local favourite into a global trendsetter, consistently delivering high-quality products that combine exceptional taste with premium ingredients.

Foundational Values and Early History

The story of Hunter Foods began well before its official founding. In 1974, Bharat Narayan, a mechanical engineer and grandson of the renowned Indian industrialist Jamnalal Bajaj, was invited by Sheikh Rashid to support the development of government housing in Dubai.

During this time, Bharat embraced three core principles inspired by his family’s deep-rooted connection to Mahatma Gandhi – Sincerity, Honesty, and Hard Work. These values became the foundation of Hunter Foods, which launched iconic snack brands Safari, Aladin, and Ali Baba. These tasty and quality snacks quickly became lunchbox staples for the kids and young adults growing up in the region during the 1980s and 1990s.

A New Era of Leadership

In 2014, a new chapter began when Bharat’s son, Ananya Narayan, and his wife, Yan, took the helm. With Ananya’s background in global strategic hospitality and Yan’s international marketing expertise, the duo aimed to honour the company’s legacy while redefining the “Better-for-You” snacking category. They strengthened supplier and retail partnerships and introduced Hunter’s Gourmet, a premium brand focused on taste, healthier benefits and innovation. This led to the development of more than 100 new products, including the globally renowned Black Truffle flavoured hand cooked potato chips, which helped redefine snack categories and inspire global trends.

A Diverse and Premium Portfolio

Under its flagship brand Hunter’s Gourmet, Hunter Foods manufactures a diverse range of snacks crafted with both nutrition and flavour in mind. This innovative portfolio features:

1. Gourmet Chips: Hand cooked potato chips (with flavours such as White Truffle and Porcini, Foie Gras, Black Caviar, Wasabi and Turmeric, etc.), vegetable chips, and quinoa chips.
2. Wholesome Alternatives: Brown rice crackers, Baked PretzOs, and organic superfoods.
3. Curated Distribution: Alongside its own brands, the company distributes premium international labels offering granolas, oat biscuits, and oats.

Striving Excellence

Hunter’s Gourmet has become a trusted choice for elevated snacking within the hospitality and travel sectors. From luxury hotel minibars and international airlines to leading coffee chains and premium entertainment venues, the brand delivers a sophisticated yet wholesome indulgence for travelers and discerning consumers alike.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

Hunter Foods has consistently stayed ahead of industry trends:

1. Health-Focused Transition: In 2019, the company transitioned to using 100% sunflower oil across all Hunter’s Gourmet products.
2. Certifications: Hunter Foods was among the first in the GCC to achieve FSSC 22000 (Version 5) certification. It also maintains HACCP compliance (since 2006), Halal certification (since 2017), and ISO 22000 standards.
3. Global Reach: While Dubai remains its home base, Hunter Foods now exports to over 60 countries. From small, hand cooked batches of snacks produced in Jebel Ali to premium retailers around the world, Hunter Foods continues to demonstrate that great taste and strong values can and should coexist.

Partnership with Core Values

Hunter Foods takes pride in its heritage and strong core values. While honouring its past, the company remains focused on building a better future through continuous innovation, exceptional quality, and sustainable growth. Its commitment to corporate best practices aligns closely with JAFZA’s mission and vision, forming a trusted and enduring partnership.

Jafza and Hunter Foods

The long-standing partnership between JAFZA and Hunter Foods has supported their transformation and growth over the years, guided by a shared vision that reflects the spirit of Dubai, the city they call home. For JAFZA, Hunter Foods’ strong performance highlights the strength of its business-friendly ecosystem and the support it provides to companies operating within the free zone.

Looking ahead, Hunter Foods is expanding beyond the region and actively seeking new distributors in emerging markets. The company continuously monitors new trends, collaborates with partners in new territories, and sources innovative processes and high-quality ingredients to advance its ambitions and uphold its “Better for You” promise.