Statistics reveal 40% increase in fruit and vegetable imports to Dubai in the past two years

Dubai, July 20, 2009: Aswaaq has announced the launching of 'Thimaar', a subsidiary under aswaaq's umbrella, as the new supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables. The announcement comes in line with recent statistics showing a 40% increase in the imports of fruits and vegetables in the years 2007 and 2008, and aims to ensure aswaaq's strive to provide high quality and healthy products to its various customers.

Officials at aswaaq have revealed that Thimaar will start supplying fresh produce to aswaaq's supermarkets in July and will be directly responsible for the consolidation, processing and pre-packaging of fresh produce. Thimaar will also source superior products through direct import as well as contribute to the local economy by supporting local farmers in the region.

"We are pleased to welcome Thimaar onboard as our main fruit and vegetable supplier and we look forward to maintain our growth as a company with them by our side.  By further raising our standards, Thimaar will play a key role in increasing customer satisfaction levels and ultimately the development of aswaaq as a whole in Dubai," said Abdul Al Basset Al Janahi, CEO and Board member of aswaaq

Located in Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 2, Thimaar will be sourcing and selecting superior products from the local market, local suppliers, local farms and direct import. The company will operate under International procedures and processes, where fresh produce will be handled with extreme care and under the strictest hygienic conditions. Thimaar's highly experienced team will develop concepts, packaging and a variety of products for the retail sector and will be working with the latest technology to ensure quality and maintain freshness of the produce.

In addition to supplying aswaaq supermarkets with fresh produce Thimaar also plans to distribute fruit and vegetables to various government bodies, hotels and restaurants in the UAE. To ensure the freshness and quality of the fruit and vegetable sector in Dubai, the Thimaar Distribution Centre will use some of the highest technology systems available to guarantee freshness and a higher level of quality.

"We are currently implementing the latest technologies available to ensure the elimination of every type of airborne bacteria, mould and fungi is essential for quality and freshness. With the recent HACCP certification that we received and the installation of the AiroCide system, we are looking forward to ensure maximum control of health and food safety standards in aswaaq and its subsidiaries like Thimaar," said Affan Al Khoori, the assigned member for Thimaar

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About Aswaaq:
"aswaaq" is an LLC company owned by Dubai government. The "aswaaq" project is a new, innovative concept in the world of shopping and retail, based on small, medium and large-sized shopping centres strategically located at the heart of residential areas. These centres will have lively "aswaaq" supermarkets at their heart complemented by retail shops and will soon become available in all bustling and populated areas of the UAE, providing a wide range of products that meet the requirements of all shoppers regardless of their nationality or age.

Most recently, aswaaq has announced that its supermarket in Nad Al Hamar has been awarded the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification only after four months of its opening. The supermarket was awarded HACCP for its approach to food safety, food handling, storage, processing and display of food items, and is now recognized as the first supermarket in the GCC to receive the HACCP certification.

The "aswaaq" shopping experience is uniquely defined by the high-quality tailor-made assortments and fresh products offered at fair prices with friendly, consistent and efficient customer service. "aswaaq" is particularly proud of the values upon which it bases its practices, respecting its clientele's freedom of choice, focusing on applying the best international practices, not to mention contributing to the pioneering task of institutions supporting medium-sized and small projects in the UAE. By becoming a major source of products, goods and services, "aswaaq" will play a vital role in local neighbourhoods; providing investment opportunities for UAE entrepreneurs, as well as creating job prospects. Moreover, it will also provide UAE nationals with the opportunity to become major importers and suppliers.

"aswaaq" will also give back to society by setting aside a certain percentage of the net profit for social and community services.

For further information, please contact:
Hind Al Falasi
Relations Manager - aswaaq
Direct: +971 4 4234030
Email: hind.alfalasi@aswaaq.ae+

Maan Dalghan
PR Account Manager - O2 Public Relations
Mobile: +971 0504735351   
Phone: +971 43122777 
Fax: +971 43122788
Email: maan.d@o2pr.net
  

© Press Release 2009