12 Jan 2007
Dubai: Al Islami Foods has announced its expansion into the Iranian market by opening a new food processing unit - Al Islami Kish.
The company is in its final stage of receiving official approval from the Iranian authorities to export from tiny Kish Island to mainland Iran and beyond.
The entry into Iran will be a stepping stone for expansion into Asia and Europe. Commenting on the expansion, Saleh Abdullah Lootah, CEO of Al Islami Foods said: "The entry into new markets is not only critical to the growth of the company but also forms an important part of our five-year strategic plan to expand in the global market and become an international player in the processed food industry.
"Currently, the size of the processed food industry in Iran is estimated at $600 million, which is growing at 16 per cent per annum," stated Lootah.
"Spread over 2,141 square metres, with an initial production capacity of 50 tons per month, Al Islami Kish is the first processed food plant of Al Islami Foods to be set up in a strategic location of the free-zone city of Kish.
"The capacity of the factory is likely to be increased to 150 tons very soon." explained Hamid Badawi, a board member of Al Islami Kish. Adhering to stringent hygienic standards, the new factory has introduced nutritious sausages and mortadella to the local market and eventually will introduce additional product line to cater to the diverse palates.
The new venture into Iranian market will help the Al Islami brand to aggressively address the growing market in the region.
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
