The only caviar brand in the whole of the Middle East has been given the go-ahead to send its fish egg delicacy swimming all the way to the US.
Food fans across America will soon be able to get their hands on Abu Dhabi-based YASA Caviar after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval.
Emirates AquaTech, the firm which produces YASA caviar - and also runs the biggest caviar farm in the world - said it was no easy task getting the green light.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Dhaheri, the managing director of Emirates AquaTech declared himself "delighted" with the news.
"FDA approval is yet another positive step in our journey in showcasing Emirates AquaTech's - and the UAE's - world-class, sophisticated products to the world," he said.
But Al Dhaheri admitted that "convincing the world that YASA Caviar is produced in the UAE was a challenge".
He added, though: "However, starting the project in an indoor sustainable aqua-farm in Abu Dhabi that produces caviar played a significant role in changing people's perception - and encouraged the alternative methods.
"Food connoisseurs can still enjoy premium authentic caviar and sturgeon meat without fear of the fish extinction."
UAE-produced fresh and pressed caviar, fresh and frozen sturgeon fillets, hot and cold smoked sturgeon fillets and various seasoning products will all now be available in the US.
Emirates AquaTech's 56,000sqm farm in the Mussafah area of Abu Dhabi produces Siberian caviar and sturgeon meat in an eco-friendly environment, Al Dhaheri said.
Since its official launch in 2011, he added, the company has put an emphasis on environmentally sustainable breeding and nurturing of the rare and endangered wild sturgeon species.
The taste of YASA caviar - "grey-brown" in colour - has been described as having "a light salt flavour with a creamy sensation that leaves a long-lasting taste of walnuts".
Prices for the caviar range start at Dhs500.
© 7Days 2014
