UAE – In a bid to meet and take advantage of the heightened demand for its products during upcoming touristic events, Del Monte Foods WLL, a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., has completed its new facility in Doha, Qatar.
The facility, built as a joint venture with Doha National Food Industries W.L.L, a fully owned company by Al Watania International Holdings P.Q.S.C, will supply global quick service restaurants with ultra-fresh juice, fresh cut fruits, fresh cut veggies, freshly prepared sandwiches, and freshly prepared salad bowls.
Doha National Food Industries W.L.L is a member of Alwatania International Holding Company P.Q.S.C. established in 2008 as an investing company.
Hassan Alkhiyami, COO of AWIHC, said the partnership with Del Monte is part of their long-term growth strategy to work with international brands to produce locally to meet the Qatar 2030 vision and Qatar Food Security plans.
At a time when the volumes of the company’s products are expected to double during the upcoming touristic event in the next few months, the new facility has been constructed with an extended capacity that will help to accommodate the increased demand.
The typical volume for the region is 15,000 tons per month and the new facility will be able to produce five tons of shredded lettuce and 3 tons of other vegetables per day; 2,400 liters of freshly squeezed juice per day; and the kitchen will produce 500-750 salads, sandwiches, and snacks per hour.
Construction of 2,200 square meters facility began in October 2021 and was completed in September 2022. The commissioning of the leaf line was set up within three weeks, which included the equipment becoming operational and all audits being passed. Normal setup time is generally two months.
“It’s important for us to be prepared for the increase in demand in the next few months so we can continue the same level of service our customers expect. The completion of this new facility will help us accommodate the expected volume and provide our customers and consumers with fresh, healthy options in convenient locations,” said Chadi Mubarak, Qatar Operations Manager at Del Monte Foods WLL.
Going forward, Del Monte Foods WLL said it will use the facility to meet the increasing demand from its new and existing customers in the retail sector as well with its new range of ultra-fresh juices, fresh cut fruits and vegetables, prepared sandwiches, and ready-to-eat salads that are conveniently packed to meet consumers’ needs.
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