Al Islami Foods, formerly Co-Op Islami, yesterday confirmed its decision to expand beyond the GCC by targeting the global market while consolidating its operations in regional markets. The company will initially enter Iran, an important region which has shown an increasing demand for genuine halaal food, before branching out to Europe and other countries.
Announcing this, Al Islami Foods CEO Saleh Abdullah Lootah said that the expansion into new markets was critical to the company’s growth and part of its five-year strategic global expansion plan to evolve as an important player in the international processed food industry. Currently, the industry in Iran itself is estimated at US$600 million, with annual growth reported at 16 percent.
“With the demand for real halal food products increasing worldwide, Al Islami Foods is well-positioned to enter new regions and consolidate its leadership stature,” he said. “The expansion process is critical to our business and a continuation of our efforts to meet our aggressive growth goals.”
Al Islami Foods’ production and management operations in Iran will strictly conform to its strict food preparation and processing standards. With the recent completion of the infrastructure such as new offices, warehousing facilities and management teams, Al Islami Foods is set to introduce a number of products from its vast portfolio in a phased manner.
Lootah pointed out that the decision to enter Iran was finalized following detailed feasibility studies in this high-consumer market. “We are constantly looking at new regions where we can introduce the Al Islami experience and build our brand equity. At the same time, we are keen on meeting the food and nutritional requirements of our consumers who demand nothing but only genuine halaal food. The insight gained from the research has been used towards developing our sales projections and improving site selection efforts,” he explained.
Page 2 – Al Islami Foods Launches Campaign to Reach Global Markets
Founded in 1981 by the Dubai Co-operative Society, Al Islami Foods has established itself as a leading player in the GCC’s AED 400 million processed food industry, employing the most advanced international technologies in its operations to offer fresh and healthy products. These processes ensure that the food items are prepared under the most stringent hygiene standards and offer high nutritive content. Al Islami Foods’ reputed line of processed food includes chicken, meat, beef, seafood, vegetarian food and dairy products.
The coming months will see Al Islami concentrating its efforts towards consolidating its presence in Europe, where it anticipates a tremendous potential to accelerate the brand’s growth, Lootah said.
About Al Islami Foods
Established as CO-OP ISLAMI in 1981 to satisfy the growing demand for real Halal food in the Arab world, AL ISLAMI FOODS was formed as a result of the long relentless efforts commenced in the early seventies when Hajj Saeed Bin Ahmad Lootah instituted Dubai Co-operative Society. Starting with its successful frozen chicken product line, AL ISLAMI FOODS expanded its operations to include mutton and beef.
In 1991, Dubai Co-operative Society's efforts were culminated by establishing its "CO-OP ISLAMI" meat processing plant in Jebel Ali Free Zone. This plant is considered a recognizable breakthrough as it became the real producer of a variety of food products under the name "CO-OP ISLAMI", after being produced outside the country on its behalf. AL ISLAMI FOODS products are considered as quality benchmark trusted by consumers across the UAE and the GCC, and this has made it one of the best and most preferred brands in the region.
