India-based R. R. Oomerbhoy to expand Middle East reach

Announcing the company's plans at the Gulfood 2007 - The 12th Gulf Food, Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaìre, senior officials of the company said the focus markets in the strategic regional expansion will be the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the two leading markets in edible oil imports.

Mr. Riyad R. Oomerbhoy, Managing Director - R. R. Oomerbhoy Pvt. Ltd. said:

'The robust regional economic growth, particularly in the GCC states, has led to a surge in demand for food products. We believe this trend will continue and in turn catalyse the growth of edible oil consumption in the region. The UAE will be our springboard for market expansion as it offers an excellent vantage point to reach out to the nearby markets.'

He said the UAE and Saudi Arabia were the two leading markets in the region in edible oil imports. 'The UAE buys as much edible oil as Saudi Arabia, the GCC's largest market and last year imported 458,730 tonnes, 4 per cent higher than in 2005. Significantly, the UAE is also major re-export hub for edible oils offering RRO a cutting-edge opportunity to expand market reach.'

'RRO will enhance and add value to its presence in region through introducing new premium range of edible oil brands. With the launch of these quality product offerings, RRO further aims to consolidate its position by acquiring a substantial share of the region's edible oils market in 2007.

Participating at the 'Gulfood 2007', the company is upbeat about its expansion plans. the launch of their quality range of products in the region. Mr. Oomerbhoy said that the company has achieved a significant position since the launch of Bertolli Extra Virgin - World's No. 1 Olive Oil in Dubai last year.

RRO has partnered with the Al Seer Group to distribute Bertolli Extra Virgin oil. The association with Bertolli was started in 2006 July. Distribution companies within Al Seer Group include Fine Fair and Arabian Oasis Food Company. The above distribution entities have strong affiliation with well known brands like Bertolli Olive Oil & RRO. These brands are the leading benchmarks for quality products aligned to consumers' daily requirements for healthy cooking requirements.

The RRO Premium Mustard Oil has been present on the market shelves in Dubai since over three years. This year RRO will make available the rest of their range of premium cooking medium like PRIMIO Refined Groundnut Oil, RRO Gingelly (Sesame) Oil etc.

'The UAE edible oils segment is a highly competitive market, internationally and regionally, and is entrenched with established multinational corporations. RRO's premium range of quality brands will drive the edible oils market as it is backed by over a hundred years of expertise and massive investments in research and development,' Mr. Oomerbhoy said.

All RRO products, be it the premium range of world-class quality of cooking media, or the wide variety of global food brands imported and marketed by RRO, provide an ideal platform to capitalize on the trend of increasing health consciousness. A foremost food company with a large product portfolio ranging from edible oils to global food brands, RRO is on a fast growth track fuelled by innovation and expansion.

Mr. Riyad R. Oomerbhoy further added, 'Globally there has been a shift in the preference for a healthy way of life, primarily because of the stress that one undergoes due to our hectic and busy schedules. Today, individuals are looking for lifestyle interventions necessary to counter the stresses of personal and professional life; and all of them are in a search mode for solutions.'

'At RRO we believe it is possible to enjoy 'Good Health For Life' with small but effective changes in lifestyle and diet. Hence, the RRO's product range is suitably launched in the region. With special focus on health, taste and lifestyle, the company is dedicated to bringing quality nutrition to the edible oil category,' he concluded.

RRO has successful alliances with leading global food companies like Bertolli International (Bertolli Olive Oil), Barilla G.E.R. Fratelli - Societa Per Azioni (Barilla Pastas & Pasta Sauces), Riso Gallo (Risotto Rice and pre-cooked Risottos), Maille Mustards & Wine Vinegars, Boursin Cheese and Express Foods (Breakfast Cereals and Cookies). They are also exclusive agents for India, SAARC, Ex-CIS and GCC Nations.