Potato giant Albert Bartlett has launched a company in partnership with UAE-based Al Dahra Agriculture to market potatoes produced in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
The new firm, named Al Dahra Bartlett, will be based in Abu Dhabi and centre around potatoes and potato related products that are both produced within, and imported into, the MEA.
It will begin by supplying Egyptian processors with up to 50,000 tonnes of potatoes this year, while initial trading of fresh produce is expected to commence in early 2015.
Al Dahra Bartlett will also distribute Albert Bartlett branded products sold within the region.
The company is described as the first venture to produce and distribute potatoes in the area .
Albert Bartlett chairman Ronnie Bartlett said: “Al Dahra Bartlett brings together two like-minded businesses that share the same core values.”
A statement said the deal combines Al Dahra’s worldwide resource base and Albert Bartlett’s experience in bringing new products to market and trading capability to create multiple opportunities in the fresh produce category.
Vice chairman of All Dahra Holdings His Excellency Khadim Al Darei added: “The joint venture with Albert Bartlett will strengthen the presence of Al Dahra’s products in the European and Asian markets, bring new opportunities and maximum use of our land banks across four continents and two hemispheres.”
Al Dahra Agriculture has strong agricultural production and processing capabilities and considers potatoes as a strategic opportunity in the region. It has an annual turnover of more than $1 billion (£600m).
Scotland-based Albert Bartlett handles over 500,000 tonnes of fresh produce every year and over the past five years has developed markets in Europe, North America and Australasia.
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