Albert Bartlett expands operations to Middle East

Albert Bartlett, a Scottish producer and packer of potatoes, is continuing its overseas expansion with a new joint venture (JV) deal in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

The company has entered into an agreement with UAE-based Al Dahra National Investments (Al Dahra Agriculture) to set up a potato JV, Al Dahra Bartlett, in Abu Dhabi.

The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The JV will focus on potatoes and related products within the MEA as well as distribute Albert Bartlett’s products in the region.

It will benefit from Al Dahra’s worldwide resource base and Albert Bartlett’s know-how in launching new products to market, global marketing and trading capability.

Al Dahra Bartlett will initially supply 50,000t of potatoes to Egyptian processors this year, and is expected to commence fresh produce trading in early 2015.

Al Dahra vice chairman Khadim Abdulla Saeed Al Darei said, "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."

Albert Bartlett chairman Ronnie Bartlett said, "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."

Established in 1948, Albert Bartlett handles over 500,000t of fresh produce every year and already has a presence in the Europe, North America and Australasian markets.

Al Dahra Agriculture is an integrated agribusiness that supplies fresh produce, dairy products and commodities to local and regional markets.

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Image: The JV will focus on potatoes and related products within the Middle East and Africa region. Photo courtesy of Dimitar Tzankov.