English 
From Stable Production to New Product Development: ANKO and Local Agent Support Maamoul Production Success in Saudi Arabia
The client operates a food factory in Saudi Arabia, producing a wide range of baked goods with strong local market recognition and diversified sales channels. To expand its product line, the client planned to introduce Maamoul, a traditional Middle Eastern festive pastry, into production. Having previously worked with ANKO’s local agent to implement SRP equipment, the client was confident in its machine quality and local support, and chose ANKO again for this project. After evaluation, the client purchased the SD-97W Automatic Encrusting and Forming Machine together with the STA-360 Automatic Stamping and Aligning Machine for Maamoul production. Through integrated operation, the client successfully produces Maamoul with stable quality and a handmade-like appearance, while expanding its product line to meet market demand.
Maamoul
ANKO Team Research Problem Solving or Solution Delivery
Solution 1. How to Solve Maamoul Forming and Demoulding Challenges? An Automated Production Case Using SD-97W and STA-360
The client planned to produce two Maamoul specifications, 20 g and 13 g, both using date paste filling for different retail channels. During the equipment planning stage, two sets of molds were configured in advance to meet diverse production requirements.
After delivery, ANKO and the local agent visited the client’s factory for on-site training. With prior experience using ANKO equipment, the client quickly became familiar with the SD-97W Automatic Encrusting and Forming Machine and the STA-360 Automatic Stamping and Aligning Machine. Under ANKO’s guidance, the client was able to operate the production process smoothly.
During trial production, the 20 g Maamoul ran without issues. However, when producing the 13 g product, demoulding instability occurred due to its smaller size, resulting in inconsistent forming and weight deviation. ANKO immediately adjusted the dough and filling ratio and fine-tuned the mold alignment. After optimization, stable production of 13 g Maamoul was achieved, ensuring consistent shape and weight that met the client’s requirements.
Maamoul forming and demoulding issues leading to poor product appearance
After ANKO’s adjustments, automated Maamoul production was successfully achieved
Stable production of 13 g Maamoul with consistent appearance and weight meeting client requirements
Solution 2. How to Quickly Develop Maamoul and Capture the Ramadan Market with Mold Solutions
After introducing the SD-97W Automatic Encrusting and Forming Machine and STA-360 Automatic Stamping and Aligning Machine, the client’s Maamoul production line operated steadily. About six months later, in response to Ramadan market demand, the client planned to launch a new product design to enhance competitiveness and secure larger orders.
Based on the provided design, ANKO initiated a customized mold development process. A 3D-printed mold was first used for trial production and validation. Once the product shape met requirements, a stainless-steel mold was manufactured. The entire development process was completed within three to four weeks, significantly shortening the time to market.
After mold completion and shipment, our team visited the client’s factory following a trade show in Saudi Arabia to provide installation and operational guidance, ensuring smooth implementation of the new mold and helping the client capture Ramadan business opportunities.
Mass production of Maamoul achieved with new mold implementation
Finished Maamoul after baking with consistent and stable quality
Cut-open Maamoul showing date filling with adjustable dough-to-filling ratio
After adjustments by ANKO, Maamoul production runs smoothly, requiring only two operators to operate the machines. This significantly improves production efficiency while reducing labor requirements. A CE safety protection device is also available as an optional accessory for customers.
Food Equipment Introduction
- Load dough into the machine
- Put in filling
- Maamoul is formed by the SD-97W machine
- Transfer to the STA-360 machine for stamping
- Finished Maamoul is automatically placed on trays one by one
STA-360 Automatic Stamping and Aligning Machine: Custom Mold Applications for Maamoul Production
The STA-360 Automatic Stamping and Aligning Machine plays a key role in Maamoul production, enabling not only automated output but also stamping and automatic tray arrangement, significantly improving overall production efficiency. In addition, its stamping molds can be customized to create a wide variety of patterns and shapes based on different market needs, helping clients develop exclusive product lines and strengthen brand identity and product differentiation.
ANKO has an authorized agent in Saudi Arabia, providing timely consultation and customized services, from mold development to on-site support. To date, ANKO has developed over hundreds of customized molds. By simply changing mold designs, a wide range of Maamoul products can be produced flexibly, meeting seasonal demand and multi-channel retail strategies while further enhancing market competitiveness.
Stable production of snowflake-pattern Maamoul with customized stamping molds
Customized palm tree mold successfully applied in automated Maamoul production
Brand logo stamping support to enhance Maamoul brand recognition (ANKO logo for reference)
- Solution Proposal
Integrated Maamoul Production Planning: One-Stop Service with Local Agent Support
To achieve fully automated Maamoul production, dough and filling preparation can be supported by mixers at the pre-processing stage. In the forming stage, the core machines are the SD-97W Automatic Encrusting and Forming Machine and the STA-360 Automatic Stamping and Aligning Machine, ensuring stable production with consistent dough-to-filling ratios and refined product appearance. For post-processing, baking equipment, packaging machines, or X-ray inspection systems can be added based on production line requirements. Through integrated planning across all stages, ANKO helps clients build a one-stop automated Maamoul production line.
In addition, ANKO has an authorized agent in Saudi Arabia providing support ranging from product planning and mold development to on-site technical assistance, helping clients accelerate machine implementation while achieving high efficiency and stable quality with fewer operators. To learn more about Maamoul automated production solutions, please click Learn More or submit the inquiry form below.
- Machines
-
SD-97W
The The SD-97W Automatic Encrusting and Forming Machine is one of ANKO’s best-selling models, with a production capacity of up to 4,000 pieces per hour. It is designed for automated production of various filled foods and can stably produce products such as Maamoul, Meatballs, Falafel, Mochi, Buns and more. The machine precisely controls the dough-to-filling ratio, enabling smooth processing of fillings such as thick date paste, smooth red bean paste, and chunky mixtures. By changing shutters, it can produce products with patterned, non-patterned, or special shapes, and also supports dual-color dough for multi-colored products.
Equipped with an IoT system, the SD-97W automatically collects production data and yield performance, while enabling remote monitoring. It also provides maintenance reminders to reduce downtime risks and help food manufacturers improve production management efficiency.
STA-360
The STA-360 Automatic Stamping and Aligning Machine is designed specifically for Maamoul and Mooncake production, integrating shaping, stamping, and automatic tray arranging into one system, significantly reducing labor requirements. Stamping molds can be customized according to product specifications. Tray types such as baking trays or steaming trays, as well as tray size and loading quantity, are all adjustable. The tray orientation can also be configured to fit different production line layouts. In addition, the STA-360 is equipped with an intuitive control panel that allows operators to easily set product placement position and quantity on each tray. This reduces manual handling, prevents product deformation, and ensures a smoother and more efficient production process.
- Country
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Ethnic Food Machine And Food Processing Equipment Solutions
ANKO provides our clients in Saudi Arabia with advanced automated food production technology for making Samosas, Maamouls and Kibbehs. We also offer integrated solutions for popular foods such as Dumplings, Spring Rolls, Sambouseks, Cookies, Parathas, and more. Our professional team assists clients with a smooth transition from manual to automated manufacturing to enhance their production efficiency and consistency.We support our clients in their automated manufacturing food business, from food preparation and machine procurement to production line design to troubleshooting and after-sales service.Please feel free to fill out the inquiry form below, and discover how we can work together to optimize your food production.
- Category
- Food Culture
In Saudi Arabia, Maamoul (a traditional Middle Eastern pastry, also known as date-filled cookies) is a highly representative dessert closely tied to religious festivals and family traditions. It is especially essential during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, when it is prepared and enjoyed in almost every household. Known for its delicate appearance and rich aroma, Maamoul is commonly served to guests and given as gifts. The most traditional way to enjoy it is with Arabic coffee (Gahwa), making it an indispensable part of festive gatherings.
Traditionally, Maamoul dough is made from semolina and ghee, resulting in a thin, crumbly texture that melts in the mouth. The most common filling is date paste, while walnut and pistachio fillings are also widely used. Different fillings are often paired with specific molds, allowing consumers to identify flavors by appearance. With the development of the food industry, both semi-automated and fully automated Maamoul production have gradually emerged in the local market, enabling wider distribution across retail channels and large-scale supermarkets.
In retail and hypermarket channels such as Panda Retail Company (Panda), Othaim Markets Company (Othaim), and Carrefour, a variety of packaged Maamoul products can be found. Well-known brands include Halwani Bros, Al Karamah, and Deemah, offering flavors ranging from traditional date filling to nut-based and chocolate varieties. Some brands also provide gift box packaging, targeting the festive gifting market.
To meet modern consumer demand for healthier options and attract younger and international audiences, the market has also introduced whole wheat versions, reduced-sugar formulations, innovative flavors such as Dubai chocolate and coconut, as well as ready-to-eat and frozen products. These developments further expand the Middle Eastern pastry market, demonstrating the continued growth potential of traditional sweets in the modern food industry.- Handmade Recipe
-
Food Ingredient
Dough: Flour/Semolina/Mahlab/Salt/Ghee/Milk Powder/Yeast/Sugar Syrup/Milk, Filling: Date paste/Ghee/Cinnamon powder
Dough Preparation
(1) In a deep bowl, combine flour, semolina, mahlab, and salt. Mix well. (2) Add melted ghee and mix thoroughly, then knead by hand for a few minutes to ensure the semolina is evenly coated with ghee. (3) Cover the mixture and refrigerate overnight to allow the fat to fully absorb into the semolina. (4) Add milk powder, yeast, and sugar syrup, and mix well. (5) Gradually add milk and knead until a soft dough forms. (6) Cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour.
Filling Preparation
(1) Add a small amount of melted ghee to the date paste and mix well. (2) Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to enhance the flavor. (3) Knead the mixture until it becomes soft and moldable. (4) Divide into evenly sized small balls.
Assembly
(1) Divide the dough into equal portions. Flatten each piece, wrap the filling inside, and shape into a ball. (2) Press with a mold or decorate the surface using a fork. (3) Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes until done.
- Downloads
Food Processing Equipment Solutions
View our new food processing machine and turnkey solutions
