Dubai Flower Centre eyes Thailand for new business

Mr. Ahli's schedule included a conference with Mr. Jade Meyanyieam - President of the Thai Orchid Exporters Association, as well as meetings with officials from the Thai Fruit and Vegetable Producers Association.

"This trip was organized to showcase DFC's advanced facilities to high profile members of the Thai plant and flower sector," said Mr. Ahli, speaking on his return. "We had some very positive meetings and the representatives expressed a great deal of interest in the cool-chain facility that we provide to our tenants," he added.

Thailand grows over 1,000 species of orchids, ranging from the common Violet Bloom to the rare and highly prized White Orchid, which has been successfully cultivated through the efforts of Thai orchid nurserymen. The skills of these specialists have turned orchid production into a major Thai export industry and Mr. Ahli is convinced that DFC offers the perfect storage facilities for importing such precious plants. "Our cool chain system ensures the perfect environment to protect delicate blooms such as orchids and the system is maintained right through the import and export process," he said.

DFC's closed-loop cool chain supply method uses refrigerated transfer pallets that keep perishable produce at the right temperature from the Centre to awaiting aircraft at Dubai Airport. The chain includes automated handling equipment, specially designed Electronic Transfer Vehicles, temperature controlled air locks and climate-controlled storage zones. "Our process has been specially designed to maximise shelf life and ensure that flowers and plants remain in perfect condition, whether they are being imported for the local market, or re-exported further a field," said Mr. Ahli.

DFC is located at next to Dubai International Airport. The country is well served with flights to and from Thailand. Emirates have two direct flights every day and another two flights at least twice a week. Thai airways have three direct flights to Dubai on a daily basis.