Press Release

Olam International Limited (“Olam’’), a leading agri-business operating across the value chain in 70 countries, will be exhibiting its portfolio of ingredients, processed and packaged products at Gulfood, the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show, which runs from 21-25 February, 2016, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Backed by a global footprint, Olam has developed a strong position in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region and will be showcasing edible nuts, coffee, cocoa, dairy, sugar, grains, edible oils as well as spices and specialty vegetable ingredients under its new branding. Delegates will have the opportunity to sample a variety of products and gather information on the breadth of origins, responsible sourcing and pricing.

Ravi Pokhriyal, President MENA & West Africa Olam, said: “We continue to see potential in the MENA region and remain committed to its growth. Reflecting this, our new wholly-owned free zone entity Olam International Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC) will also be present at Gulfood. We applaud the local Governmental agencies, such as the Dubai Economic Department, DMCC and Chambers of Commerce, for making it easier to do business in Dubai and offering incentives for global corporates to relocate some of their businesses here.”

Catering to regional customers

A leading supplier of edible nuts and nut ingredients to customers across MENA, from private packers to local roasters and traders, Olam will be showcasing almonds, cashew, hazelnuts and peanuts. Producing and processing in all major origins from the farm to factory gate enables the teams to offer a reliable supply of quality ingredients. Sesame, also part of the edible nuts platform, is supplied to all major Tahina and Halava manufacturers in the region.

Following the acquisition of ADM’s cocoa business and the establishment of a worldwide cocoa processing footprint, Olam Cocoa is now one of the top three integrated suppliers of cocoa beans and cocoa products globally. Alain Fredericq, Global Head of Cocoa Powder, will be attending the event as part of Olam’s cocoa team. Gulfood will give customers the opportunity to experience the superior qualities of the deZaan™ and Macao™ cocoa powder portfolios – both of which are experiencing significant growth in demand from customers across the Middle East and North Africa.

Mr Fredericq said: “Cocoa flavour has universal appeal and Middle East consumers are no exception. Building on the more than 100 years of innovation behind the deZaan™ brand of premium cocoa powders and cocoa liquor, and Macao’s™ successful introduction of value cocoa powders, Olam’s team in Dubai is able to offer the growing, regional food industry a full range of cocoa powders that meet the colour, flavour and functional requirements of the most demanding consumers.”

Customers will be able to speak to the wider product teams from Olam’s Spices & Vegetable Ingredients, edible oils and the sugar and dairy teams, which have their regional trading desks in Dubai servicing needs of the customers in the region.

In addition to Olam’s attendance at Gulfood, Sachin Sachdev, Senior Vice President, MENA Region, and Ashish Govil, ‎Global Business Unit Head of Rubber, will be participating at the Global AgInvesting Middle East conference from February 29 to March 2, 2016. Mr Sachdev will be speaking on the panel ‘Agricultural Investment Opportunities in the MENA Region’ on March 1 at 10:45am, where he will discuss the role of agriculture in the economies of the Middle East and North Africa. Mr Govil will be speaking on ‘Opportunities for Investment in Africa’ on March 1 at 14:45pm, discussing Africa’s potential as a breadbasket for both domestic and export markets.