Arla Foods introduces Baby&Me Organic products to Saudi market

JEDDAH — Arla Foods, a leading international dairy company, has introduced its new range of Arla Baby&Me Organic supplements to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following increased demand for related products in the Middle East with a launch event at Park Hyatt Jeddah – L’azurde Ballroom, held recently.

The multinational cooperative’s experience in infant nutrition dates back three decades, with Arla producing, supplying and developing infant formulas for the world’s leading infant milk formula (IMF) brands throughout that time, while its milk production history spans more than 130 years. According to a recent report from the Market Research Report Store, the Organic Milk market is expected to register a compounded annual growth rate of (CAGR) 6.3 percent. In terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $5643 million by 2025, from $4423.5 million in 2019.

The products unveiled at the launch included: Mom Formula – for expecting mothers; Infant Milk Formulas; Multi-grain porridges – 4 months and above; Pouches/fruit and vegetable porridges – 6 months and above.

Rasmus Malmbak Kjeldsen, Senior Vice President of Arla Foods Middle East & North Africa, said: “The Middle East region has seen a significant rise in demand for organic products and retailers have in turn demonstrated a growing interest in stocking organic baby produce. As one of the world’s leading producers of organic dairy products, we are delighted to supply parents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with our range of Arla Baby&Me Organic products.”

Kjeldsen added: “For milk to be labelled as organic, the farms must meet standards set by EU law on animal welfare, caring for wildlife, sustainability and production quality. This includes being free from preventative antibiotics and artificial hormones used to increase the milk production of cows, ensuring cows are fed a 100 percent organic diet, prohibiting the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers on all feed crop, and making sure cows graze at least six hours per day from April to November. Essentially, we at Arla recognize that safety, trust and consistent high quality are vital to consumers. In line with this, we can trace the milk back to the individual farm, establish the cause of any problems and act accordingly, prevent and correct, and guarantee transparency throughout our entire value chain.”

Hassan Naja, Head of Arla Child Nutrition, MENA, said: “Today, we are taking forward Arla’s decades of expertise in infant nutrition, into homes in the Middle East. Our pure Arla Baby&Me Organic Milk Formula is not only for babies, it’s also for pregnant women, providing inner strength to ensure a healthy and happy motherhood. We are not just aiming to deliver organic mother and infant milk formulas and weaning food products to a new region, our mission is to provide a 100% organic, natural foundation for the next generation’s all-round development for a stronger future.” Naja noted that the Arla organic products will be available soon at major pharmacies throughout Saudi Arabia.

After the launch in Saudi Arabia, Arla proceeded to Kuwait and Dubai the next successive days for the products' launch there.

Faisal Bokhari, VP at Arabian Trading Supplies, a member of M.Y.Naghi Group, said: “We are truly delighted to build a partnership with Arla Foods as we recognize the importance and the need for organic baby food products in the Kingdom. Arla Baby&Me Organic is a perfect match for us and, with the support of all our team members, we have successfully launched the brand. It is now available in many key cities in the Kingdom.”

Arla’s Baby&Me Organic range will be launched in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates simultaneously as part of the company’s regional phased approach.