Al-Bayader International powers into 2008

According to CEO, Nidal Haddad, the regional pioneer in the fast growing disposable products market has realized record turnover in 2007, and is set to build on this success in 2008.

"The main focus will be on up-rating our branch in Qatar and transforming it into a manufacturing centre," he said.

"This is our first industrial expansion outside of the UAE, and will supply the company with 100% of its requirement from EPS containers, cups, plates and hinged lids and 15 per cent of its production requirements as a whole.

"Exports have been an integral part of our business from day one," he adds.

"Our branches in Qatar and Oman have provided the springboard into the GCC and now we are looking to enhance the operations there in order to reach growing markets elsewhere in the Middle East as well as North Africa, East Africa and Eastern Europe."

Al Bayader's exports across the Gulf region increased by 25 per cent in 2007 with Saudi Arabia a key market.

"Our goal is to improve exports by 40 per cent (compared to 2006) in Saudi Arabia in 2008," says Haddad.

"Local staff will be recruited while marketing and commercial staff visits from the UAE will also increase. Added focus will also be placed on the North African markets over the next 12 months.

"We are no longer just a supplier of foodstuff packaging. In today's world our customers require innovative packaging solutions, and we are striving to further improve our offering by investing in facilities to meet the growing demand from a fast growing regional population. The figure of 36 million today in the Arabian Gulf countries is expected to grow by 40 per cent to 50 million by 2015.

A range of new products such as plates and containers made from wood and from bamboo, cutlery from bamboo and new designs of plastic products suitable for oriental food will be incorporated with the 900 plus products in the Al Bayader catalogue to be launched in the first Quarter of 2008.