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Our History

KDD was founded in 1962 as a dairy company with a vision to achieve nutritional goals through packaged dairy food for the local market. Operating from its first plant in the Shuwaikh area in Kuwait, KDD began producing milk and yoghurt. Over the years, KDD grew and diversified its portfolio. Today, it has a multi-product, multi-category portfolio that caters to a wide variety of consumers in the region.

1962
1962

Did you know that KDD was called the Danish Kuwaiti Dairy Company or Dankuwa when it originally began operations. Operations started in Shuwaikh with the production of pasteurized milk and yoghurt.

Our History, 1962: Did you know that KDD was called the Danish Kuwaiti Dairy Company or Dankuwa when it originally began operations.
Our History, 1962
1972-78
1972-78
With much fanfare, KDD introduced an ice cream production line, the first of its kind in Kuwait. This was one of the gems in the KDD portfolio then and continues to shine bright even today.
1981-87
1981-87
In the 80s the modernization era began. The Sabhan factory was inaugurated with the introduction of long life milk technology. Soon after, the  fruit juice production line began, followed by a cheese production line and tomato paste production line expansion. This was the time when exports commenced to other GCC geographies. The company also became 100% Kuwaiti owned with its new name The Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company or KDD as it is fondly known.
1990-2000
1990-2000
This era started with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, where KDD continued its operation until the factory was bombed in February 1991. With mass destruction of the factory premises, KDD had to quickly relocate to temporary facilities to continue to meet the needs of its consumers. What followed was a time of rebuilding and modernization that paved the way for KDD’s entry into the 21st century with a strong portfolio in both long life & fresh products.
2003-09
2003-09

KDD becomes a key supplier to international retailers and institutions. In many ways, KDD has been integral to nation building efforts by ensuring the very best for its consumers.  It was also the time that KDD recovered from a major fire that affected a large part of its factory. If there is one word that sums up KDD, it has to be resilience.

2012-18
2012-18
KDD celebrates its Golden Jubilee, a proud 50 years of innovation, resilience and enterprise. While it was a time of reflection for an eventful period in its history, it also set the stage for the future decades to come.
2021-23
2021-23
KDD is no stranger to crisis and this period in its history is no different. Comprehensive measures for hygiene, health and safety of its employees and customers were implemented during the challenging times of Covid-19. The company began a renewed nutrition program leading to the launch of fortified milks and sugar reduced products to continue improving the nutritional status of its consumers. KDD has shown that there is no adversity which cannot be overcome, and looks to the many fruitful years ahead in continuing to delight its consumers.
1962
1962

Establishment of the Danish Kuwaiti Dairy Company (Dankuwa) by HE Ezzat Mohammad Jaafar with a 51:49 shareholding between prominent Kuwaitis and the Danish Dairy Federation. Commencement of production of pasteurized milk and yoghurt in the Shuwaikh Factory.

1972-74
1972-74
Introduction of Ice Cream production line
1978
1978
Introduction of Labneh Production Line
1981-82
1981-82
Inauguration of the Sabhan factory and long life UHT milk technology. Company becomes 100% Kuwaiti with its new name, The Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company.
 
1983
1983
Introduction of the natural fruit juices production line
1984
1984
Development and expansion of the ice cream factory in Shuwaikh
1985
1985
Introduction of KDD logo by the present Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Ezzat Jaafar. Introduction of cheese production line and the beginning of export operations of the company’s products to GCC countries. Followed by expansion to MENA and other global markets.
1987
1987
Introduction of Tomato Paste production line
1990-91
1990-91

Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Bombing and mass destruction of factory premises. Operations relocate to temporary facilities

1998-00
1998-00

Rebuilding and modernization with new facilities and technologies paved the way for KDD’s entry into the 21st century. KDD started to build its expertise across a wide portfolio of fresh and long life products. KDD integrated Oracle systems across the organization.

2000
2000
KDD becomes the preferred supplier for McDonald's in Kuwait.
2003-04
2003-04
KDD becomes a key supplier to the US Army. KDD introduces extra virgin olive oil. Opens branches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
2009
2009
KDD launches Dukkan, a chain of convenience stores. First outlet opened at Hawally, followed by other key locations across Kuwait. KDD recovers from a major fire that affected a large part of the factory.
2012
2012
KDD's Golden Jubilee, a momentous occasion for the company. A celebration of 50 yrs of innovation, resilience and enterprise.
2015-16
2015-16

Launched the Kitchen Secrets app and YouTube channel to showcase KDD's culinary expertise. KDD launches Bechamel culinary sauce and Power Fruits juices.

2018
2018
Launched the KDD e-shop app for convenient, online, home delivery service in Kuwait.
2021
2021

KDD implements comprehensive measures for hygiene, health and safety of its employees and customers, during challenging times of Covid-19. The launch of Fortified Milks, a sign of commitment to elevate the nutritional status of the communities that KDD serves.

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