Albert Bartlett expands into Middle East and Africa
The new company’s activities will centre around potatoes and potato related products produced within the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and potatoes and potato related products imported into the MEA region. Al Dahra Bartlett will also act as the distributor for Albert Bartlett branded products sold within the MEA region. This is the first venture of its kind in the MEA in terms of potato production and distribution.
Al Dahra Agriculture is an integrated agribusiness with strong agricultural production and processing capabilities and considers potatoes as a strategic opportunity in the region. Founded in 1995, it has grown dramatically and now has an annual turnover of more than 1 billion USD. The joint venture presents multiple opportunities in the fresh produce category with a combination of Al Dahra’s extensive worldwide resource base and Albert Bartlett’s experience in bringing new products to market, worldwide marketing and trading capability.
Established in 1948, Albert Bartlett remains a family business and handles over 500,000 tonnes of fresh produce every year. Over the past 10 years, the Scotland-based company has made industry-leading investments in its facilities, its operation and brand, with potatoes provided by a network of dedicated growers that dates back over three generations and stretches from Jersey to Inverness.
In essence the deal brings together Al Dahra’s land base resources and Albert Bartlett’s in-depth technical and production knowledge and proven successful track records in packing and marketing branded potato products. The company will start by supplying Egyptian processors with up to 50,000 tonnes of potatoes this year, initial trading of fresh produce is expected to commence in early 2015.
This latest venture follows Albert Bartlett developing markets for its produce in Europe, North America and Australasia over the past five years.
The deal was signed by His Excellency Khadim Abdulla Saeed Al Darei (Vice Chairman of Al Dahra Holdings) and Ronnie Bartlett, Chairman of Albert Bartlett.
His Excellency Khadim Al Darei comments: “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.”
Ronnie Bartlett comments: “Al Dahra Bartlett brings together two like-minded businesses that share the same core values of adhering to sustainable business practices, service excellence and a passion for their products that engenders trust from customers and consumers alike.”