Al Islami Foods enters Saudi Arabia to reach $5.6bn food market

Saudi Arabia, with the population of 28 million, remains the largest market for food & beverage in the Gulf region as it represents 63% of the $9bn GCC food market.

In 2009, Al Islami is preparing to consolidate its presence in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Jordan and Sudan markets.

Arabian Trading Supplies, a leading distributor in Saudi Arabia, will distribute a range of Al Islami's healthy and real halal products under the brand name of 'Co-op Islami'.

The distribution agreement was signed in Jeddah.

The initial consignment of Co-op Islami products of frozen chicken and chicken parts has already been sent and distributed in Saudi Arabia amd received a highly welcome response from the Saudi consumer market.

Saleh Abdullah Lootah, chief executive officer of Al Islami Foods, stated: "The UAE and Saudi Arabia enjoy everlasting traditional bonds. Emiratis consider Saudi Arabia their second home out of the UAE". "The synergy with strong distributors such as the Arabian Trading Supplies will consolidate company's efforts in developing the GCC's halal food market and taking the Al Islami benchmark to the international arena, as part of our regional and global expansion plan." added Saleh Lootah.

The Global Halal Food Market report of 2007, published by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada estimates the food market in the GCC region is worth $9bn (Dhs330bn) where Saudi Arabia's share is 63% ($5.6bn). Al Islami will cater to 28 million Saudi population with a range of premiem products such as processed meat, frozen seafood with Al Islami's unique selling proposition of ;real halal, which is hand slaughtered without stunning according to Islamic Shariah'. To ensure a seamless halal process, Al Islami deploys its respresentatives at source.

In 2009, Al Islami is preparing to consolidate its presence in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Jordan and Sudan markets.