North American food production and distribution company Del Monte, will begin operating farms in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, marking the next step in the group’s overseas expansion.
With two farms already in Turkey and the UAE, Del Monte is planning a major promotional drive at next month’s Gulfood exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on 21-25 February.
Del Monte vice president Fresh MENA, Mohammed Abbas commented: “We are excited to showcase our increasing involvement in regional farming operations, growing fresh produce on off-soil technologies as well as from the ground.
“We want to grow awareness of the fact that we are not only producers and distributors but also growers.”
Del Monte, which operates its regional headquarters in Dubai, says its strategy is product diversification, and growing more local produce to meet regional demands.
“The biggest trend in the global F&B industry would probably be the rise of health consciousness among consumers,” said Abbas.
“Our fresh-cut fruit and vegetable ranges satisfy today’s health and wellness-conscious consumers with a level of convenience that fits perfectly into their increasingly active lifestyles.”
Abbas says that 2016 will be a key expansion year for the company with the launch of new B2B and B2C product categories and services – a selection of which will be in the Gulfood spotlight.
“Some of our new products will be showcased at Gulfood 2016 for visitors to experience and taste first-hand.
“These products are our response to making it easy for consumers to meet their five-a-day intake of fruits and vegetables – a simple, healthy-eating principle that can be challenging in today’s society.”
Healthy food is an emerging focus for Gulfood exhibitors with the show living up to its ‘more taste, more trends, more trade’ mantle.
The 21st edition of Gulfood – the world’s largest annual food and hospitality trade show – is expected to attract 5,000 international food industry companies from 120 countries.
More than 85,000 visitors from 170+ countries are expected to attend, including international heads of state, ministers, government officials and national trade associations from five continents.
BNC Publishing is the conference producer for Gulfood, and Catering News Middle East is the official publication of the exhibition. To view the Gulfood 2016 agenda, click on this link.
