CarniStore, a UAE-based premium meat e-commerce platform combining traditional butchery with digital retail, announced a $12.2 million strategic minority investment from Emirates Growth Fund. The funding marks the fund’s first move into the food sector and will support scaling operations, launching new product categories, and expanding across regional markets
Scaling Operations and Expansion
Founded in 2018, CarniStore operates an integrated model covering sourcing, production, and direct-to-consumer distribution across meat, poultry, seafood, and smoked products. The new capital will transition operations from a local business to an industrial-scale platform, enabling broader market penetration across the region.
Strategic Partnership and Growth
Emirates Growth Fund will act as an active partner, supporting go-to-market strategy, governance, and operational scaling to prepare the company for cross-border growth.
“Beyond just investing growth equity, we work with founders to strengthen go-to-market, governance and institutional capability,” said Khalifa Al Hajeri, CEO of Emirates Growth Fund. “CarniStore exemplifies the entrepreneurial grit and quality standards we seek in homegrown companies with the potential to evolve into enduring national champions in their industries.”
Maintaining Quality at Scale
CarniStore focuses on preserving product quality while increasing production capacity and expanding offerings.
“From day one, our focus has been on raising the standard for quality proteins while supporting the UAE’s growing food community,” said Fikry “Fix” Boutros, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of CarniStore.
“EGF’s strategic backing allows us to scale CarniStore with real intention, growing our operations and developing new products while protecting the premium quality and service our customers rely on,” said Daniel “Dan” Wanies, Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “It’s an important step forward and a reminder that a UAE-born brand can lead internationally, not simply participate.”