Co-op Islami wins Dubai Quality Award for innovation, business excellence

Mr. Saleh Saeed Lootah, Managing Director of Co-Op Islami and Mr. Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Assistant General Manager (Operations) at Co-op Islami received the award in the Trade category, from His Highness, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister at a ceremony held at Jumeirah Beach Hotel on Saturday night.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Assistant General Manager (Operations) at Co-op Islami said that achievements are usually measured by the number of years taken to accomplish them but in the case of Dubai, progress and improvements in quality and business excellence are measured by the number of days.

"This is due to the vision of His Highness, General Sheikh Mohammed, and his patronage of the Dubai Quality Award has inspired both public and private sector institutions and establishments to pursue a persistent drive for excellence" Mr. Lootah said.

He said that Co-Op Islami was conceived from the concept of an Islamic economy that was mooted by His Excellency, Mr. Saeed Lootah. Today, Co-Op Islami has grown into a leading company that provides Halal and high quality food products.

"This award is also testimony of the great support and dedication of our numerous business partners, distributors, customers and staff, who have contributed tremendously towards the success of Co-Op Islami. We have won the award at an important stage of our strategic plan that is being implemented to further enhance our position in the local, regional and international markets".

Mr. Saleh Saeed Lootah, Managing Director of Co-Op Islami, said: "To have won this award is an achievement for the national economy of the UAE. In over 20 years of operations, Co-Op Islami has introduced innovative marketing and production concepts based on Sharia practices and adopted strict quality control measures. Co-Op Islami has also established a strong presence in the UAE and GCC markets in the face of tough competition from international food companies. The GCC region is seen as a market for imported food but the vision of Co-Op Islami is to change this perception by providing Halal, high quality food that is produced within the region".

Mr. Saleh Saeed Lootah said that Co-Op Islami took into consideration the needs of customers when drawing up marketing strategies. As a result, Co-Op Islami products were now available even in stores in London for the benefit of the Islamic community in the United Kingdom.

Noting that Co-Op Islami is the first food company to have won the Dubai Quality Award since it was introduced 10 years ago, Mr. Saleh Saeed Lootah also said that this was the first time that Co-Op Islami had submitted its entry for the award. He thanked the judging committee for selecting Co-Op Islami as one of the winners.