UAE: Food and Beverage Business Group sets 2014 roadmap

Dubai Chamber’s non-profit industry group, The Food and Beverage Business Group, has set a roadmap of strategic activities to align with the fast developing economic landscape of UAE.

Saleh-Abdullah-Lootah-200x240Food and Beverage Business Group chairman Saleh Abdullah Lootah rolled out the plan while addressing a business networking event of the owners of food and beverage industry on the sidelines of Gulfood.

Lootah said that the most important thing for the group is to get involved with the relevant ministries and authorities to tackle issues faced by the food and beverage businesses in Dubai. The second priority is capacity building by technical and managerial training and sharing best practices.

“The group not only plans to leverage its Dubai base across UAE but outside the country as well by affiliating itself with the local and international industry events such as Gulfood in Dubai, SIAL in Paris and Abu Dhabi and Anuga in Germany,” said Lootah.

He added that involvement of the group with MICE industry is part of its strategy because the trade events and meetings create global networking and business opportunities. The group will soon announce its long-term association with Gulfood.

Lootah said: “We are discussing strategic partnerships with the business bodies of different countries that are established in UAE. This is to create synergy of different business cultures and connecting them with the UAE industry and businessmen. We will soon announce our first partnership with a business council of a European country.”

In line with UAE government’s plan of Emiratisation, the group is discussing a mechanism with its members about encouraging Emirati professionals and placing them in different departments of private food and beverage sector. It will also participate in next career fair for locals.