20 March 2014
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an open market with immense opportunities for Northern Ireland food and drink companies, both large and small, according to Kamal Vachani, Group Director of Dubai-based Al Maya Group, one of the region's biggest and most dynamic retail chains.

Mr Kamal Vachani, Group Director, Al Maya Group in Belfast last week to meet a group of 10 local companies set up by Invest Northern Ireland, said the Al Maya Group was keen to source a wide range of food and soft drinks from here. He led a four-strong buying team which placed orders with most of the companies.

Al Maya Group visit was among a series of 'Meet the Buyer' missions from the Emirates arranged by Invest NI's longstanding office in Dubai and hosted by the agency's Food team in Belfast.

Al Maya Group, which operates a network of 40 supermarkets also included a senior representative from its UK business responsible for consolidating and shipping products regularly to Dubai for Al Maya stores, a fast service that makes it easier and cost-effective for Northern Ireland companies to service the huge and very diverse UAE marketplace.

Among the food and drink products that topped the team's agenda were cereals of all types, dried fruits and nuts, bakery, sauces, soft drinks especially fruit juices and frozen pork.

"Al Maya Group is keen to talk to companies in virtually every food and drink category because our customer base is so diverse and includes a very significant grouping of expats from the UK, other parts of Europe and the US.  Dubai, for example, is among the world's most cosmopolitan centres.

"We aim to provide them with products with which they are familiar. We already stock many of the most popular European and US products.

"In addition, our customers tend to be affluent and have an interest in western food, juices and soft drinks especially those which are sugar-free and low-fat, a rapidly developing category for us because of growing health concerns and hence the strength of our interest in cereals and healthy snacks,"  Mr Kamal Vachani, Group Director, Al Maya Group added.

As well as quality and taste, Al Maya buyers required new and existing suppliers to offer "an attractive pricing policy". "We expect all our suppliers to be price competitive and to be prepared to keep in contact with us regularly.

"We'd certainly welcome visits from suppliers and operate an open-door policy. We are always keen to sample new products and to provide feedback to existing and potential suppliers. It's as easy as sending us an email about a new product for sampling or to arrange a meeting with the relevant buyer," Mr Kamal Vachani said.

Al Maya Group has completed 32 years of operation in the Middle East has become one of the largest FMCG Distribution companies and has a sizeable share of the UAE retail market, within which it operates 40 Supermarkets / Hypermarket and continue to expand further in the GCC.  Al Maya Group also one of the leading FMCG distribution company in the UAE.  Further, the Group also has distribution of FMCG business in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait & India.  

"Our business strategy is underpinned by a recognition of the importance of convenience and service. Our focus is on providing a consistently reliable service, constant vigilance in reasonable pricing, excellent locations and a wide product range has ensured a loyal customer base over the years.

"We are expanding in the retail sector by opening many more neighbourhood supermarkets in important locations of Dubai and further afield."

Al Maya Group, Mr Kamal Vachani, Group Director added, is currently implementing an ambitious growth strategy that will see it opening further outlets throughout the region.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2014