Silal has entered into a partnership with IQ Berries’ Middle East agent Ayla Berries to introduce premium varieties suited to UAE conditions
UAE-based agri-food and technology company Silal Group has signed a blueberry MoU with Ayla Berries, IQ Berries’ exclusive agent in the Middle East.
According to a statement, the agreement will see the expansion of blueberry production in the UAE through the introduction of high-quality varieties suited to the country’s environmental and climatic conditions, targeting the development of 50ha of planted area.
The partnership aims to secure Silal exclusive access to premium blueberry varieties and genetics, supporting its commercial expansion in the UAE and selected regional markets through Ayla Modern Farms – the IP manager of the brand in the region.
The MoU signing was attended by HE Dhafer Rashed Al Qasimi, group CEO of Silal, and signed by Emil Moukarzel, chief farming officer at Silal, and Abdallah Al Tayeh, CEO of Ayla Modern Farms, during Silal Group’s participation at Fruit Attraction.
“This partnership represents an important strategic step in supporting our plans to expand local blueberry production, while advancing our efforts to strengthen food security and develop local agricultural production capabilities,” said Al Qasimi.
”By introducing high-quality varieties capable of performing successfully under UAE conditions, we aim to respond to the needs of both local and regional markets.
“We also look forward to leveraging these varieties to enhance productivity and crop quality, while supporting a more consistent and sustainable supply of locally grown blueberries,” he noted.
Danny Francis, general manager of IQ Berries, explained that the MoU represented a strategic step towards expanding the company’s presence in the region.
“We look forward to combining Silal’s agricultural expertise with our own to develop production models adapted to local conditions,” he said.
“As IQ Berries’ exclusive agent in the Middle East, we are proud to support Silal in bringing these varieties to the UAE and making this 50-hectare programme a model for the region,” commented Al Tayeh.
The first phase will focus on MegaEarly and MegaCrisp, two varieties selected for their suitability for protected cultivation systems in warm climates, as well as their strong potential in terms of yield, fruit quality, firmness and shelf-life.
Under the MoU, Silal aims to develop 50ha over the next three years, at a planting density of 6,000 plants per hectare.
Planting is expected to begin in 2027, with the first commercial harvest anticipated in the 2028 season, as the project progresses towards its targeted production capacity by 2030.
Through the introduction of the new varieties, Silal said it is aiming to increase productivity.
MegaEarly has also demonstrated the ability to maintain stable fruit quality for more than 30 days under standard blueberry cold-storage conditions, it noted.
In addition, the varieties are self-pollinating, reducing the risks and logistical challenges associated with pollination.
Silal confirmed that it is planning to introduce the new varieties primarily across its own farming operations, replacing and expanding its existing 14ha blueberry production area.
Further expansion may also take place across Silal farms and through selected contracted growers, depending on market demand and grower interest.
It pointed out that MegaEarly has demonstrated the potential for continuous flowering and fruiting in warm climates, creating the possibility of extended or year-round production, subject to successful replication and validation of this performance under greenhouse conditions in the UAE.
