Dubai, the land of endless possibilities, has become the birthplace of one of the region’s most promising food startups: Delektia. Born out of a pursuit to simplify culinary traditions, Delektia is carving its path to success by offering time-saving solutions and preserving the essence of authentic Arabic cuisine.
In an exclusive interview with Mr. Ali Wahoud, one of Delektia’s founding investors, our curiosity was sparked as we delved into the intriguing reasons that drove him to invest in the thriving food startup. With a remarkable track record as a founder and accomplished executive in the Hospitality & Real Estate industry, we sought to uncover the insights behind his visionary decision to back Delektia’s journey toward culinary innovation.
When asked about his initial introduction to the concept, Mr. Ali Wahoud shared that he immediately recognized its shining potential. Delektia aimed to address a significant challenge in the Arabic and Islamic markets: time. The process of preparing a relatively simple Arabic meal could take up to two hours in the hands of an experienced household cook. However, Delektia had a vision that was truly revolutionary – offering a five-minute solution that not only saved time and money but also minimized food waste while preserving all the essential nutritional values.
At the heart of Delektia’s innovation lies the use of Blast Freezing, a method that rapidly cools and freezes larger volumes of food compared to conventional freezers, effectively halting the growth of bacteria while preserving the essential nutrients and flavors. By avoiding the use of preservatives and using completely BPA-free pouches, Delektia stays true to its mission of providing the purest, most authentic taste of Arabic cuisine.
The company’s journey began with remarkable growth in the UAE market, establishing a strong presence in prominent locations and online platforms. With the support of a robust partner, Medica JO, Delektia confidently entered the Jordanian market. Buoyed by this success, the company is now set to venture into more significant markets such as the USA, KSA, and the EU.
Furthermore, Delektia’s commitment to excellence and unwavering focus on quality has been recognized, as it was proudly voted the prestigious ‘Product of the Year Gulf 2023,’ a testament to its dedication to meeting and surpassing the culinary standards set by generations of mothers and grandmothers in the region.
Delektia is a shining example of a non-tech venture gaining significant traction in the dynamic Middle Eastern startup landscape. Its agile structure enables swift growth and seamless market expansion, setting it apart from traditional food companies.
As an Emirati startup, Delektia takes immense pride in its Dubai origins. The city’s nurturing ecosystem has provided unparalleled opportunities, garnering regional exposure, international recognition, and remarkable financial valuation milestones. With all eyes on Dubai, Delektia has found its place to shine brightly as a rising star in the Arabic FMCG sector.
Delektia’s journey embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that Dubai fosters, paving the way for a brighter future in the realm of food startups. As the company continues to grow and expand its horizons, it remains committed to simplifying culinary experiences while preserving the rich heritage of Arabic cuisine.
As an industry leader with a visionary approach and unwavering dedication to excellence, Delektia is poised to leave an indelible mark on the food startup sector. By redefining convenience and tradition, this trailblazing company is paving the way for a new generation of culinary experiences that resonate with authenticity and innovation.
