Consolidating its presence in the Middle East, Al Islami Foods, a leading provider of quality halal products, today announced a strategic expansion into Egypt’s huge processed food market by launching “The Cart”, a unique franchise model for the young entrepreneurs of the region, at the 5th Middle East & North Africa Franchising and Licensing Exhibition 2007, held in Cairo. The exhibition represents global reach and opportunities for both franchisers and franchisees of diverse businesses in the MENA region.
Commenting on the move, Saleh Abdullah Lootah, CEO, Al Islami Foods said: “The entry into new markets is not only critical to the growth of the company but also forms an important part of our five-year strategic plan to expand into the international market and become a global player in the processed food industry.” “Al Islami will continue endeavoring to create fertile ground to flourish and assist region’s emerging young entrepreneurs. Today, we are witnessing the reflection of our vision and we are ready to bring in more innovative business concepts,” stated Lootah.
The event was inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of Egypt, Mr. Atef Obied. While welcoming the participants, Mr. Obied stated that the Middle East & North Africa Franchising and Licensing Exhibition was a strategic platform for international businesses to expand and flourish and assured the all-out support from local authorities.
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Industry, Mr. Rashid M. Rashid expressed gratification and said the government of Egypt was proud to host such a wide-ranging business community of the MENA and Europe. He said Egypt’s ministry of foreign trade was enveavouring to create the best suited investment environment in the country.
As part of company’s five-year strategic expansion plan for the region, Al Islami has met with Ms Hanaa El Hilaly, Director General of International Cooperation Group, Egypt, to forge a possible collaboration and map out how to support young entrepreneurs of the region.
Al Islami Foods, initially, will offer 1000 carts in Egypt in partnership with a local company which will organise the logistics and transportation of the cart. At Gulfood Exhibition 2007 Dubai, Al Islami Foods debuted “The Cart” for young entrepreneurs in the UAE, in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders. The potentially-rich business concept received an overwhelming response and is being implemented successfully by UAE’s young entrepreneurs. The Cart includes microwave oven, chiller for sandwiches, chair, hotdog grill, counter display chiller, cash-machine, where sandwiches and hotdogs can be prepared and sold instantly.
Al Islami Foods will reveal their latest major joint venture initiative with the most popular and leading fast-food chain of the region, in a ceremony which will be shortly held in Dubai.
