Dairy giant plans expansion in Gulf states

Al Rawabi Dairy Company, a major producer of dairy products and fresh juices in the GCC, on Tuesday said it was investing $200m as part of its expansion plans. The dairy company, which serves Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, the Northern Emirates, Qatar and Oman, said it plans to extend its regional footprint to Bahrain and Kuwait, where it will replicate the business model it runs in the UAE. Al Rawabi Dairy said in a statement that it is also looking to invest a further $100m this year to further augment its milk production and processing capacity. Dr Ahmed Eltigani Abdul Rahim, general manager, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, said: "We are constantly investing in new technology to maintain the best quality products. "This year, we plan to expand our existing facilities with the addition of a world class milking parlour, yard and cooling system. We are also looking to increase the number of our cows to a total of 10,000 from the current count of 7,000 by 2012." Al Rawabi was listed among the strongest 40 brands in the Arab world by Forbes magazine. Launched in 1990, Al Rawabi Dairy was the first brand to pack fresh milk in plastic bottles, an instant hit with the consumers which inspired the entire industry to follow suit. It was also the first dairy company to introduce 100 percent natural juices. From / Arabian Business News