UAE dates named best selling product

In a significant development that is sure to boost the commercial prospects of UAE’s agricultural products in international market, the organizers of SIAL China 2012, the Asian edition of one of the world’s top food exhibitions, have named the UAE dates the best selling product at the exhibition and awarded a certificate to Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), which put together the UAE pavilion that comprised some of the country’s top dates companies. ADFCA promoted UAE dates vigorously at the exhibition, which was held during May 9-11, 2012 in Shanghai. Winner of this award was declared close on the heels of the exhibition, following a judging process, which took into account the the quality and high nutritional value of UAE dates as well as the high demands for them from visitors and investors. ADFCA Pavilion hosted some of the UAE’s largest date production companies such as Al Foah Company, Liwa Dates, Emirates Delight Dates Factory and Royal Dates Company. Rashid Mohamed Al Shariqi, Director General of ADFCA, said, “We owe this great achievement to HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority for his efforts to support dates, and his encouragement to compete in international markets. This important award is sure to enhance the international profile of UAE dates”. “The active participation of national companies at the exhibition was the determining factor. Their high quality products attracted more than 10,000 visitors to our pavilion as well as huge investor demands from China, France and Japan for marketing UAE dates in their respective countries. This has opened up new and hitherto largely unexplored new market opportunities. Through our participation, we were also able to rope in many companies to participate in SIAL Middle East and the Emirates Date Palm Festival,” he explained. Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority was established in 2005 as an independent food regulatory agency for the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Authority embodies the Abu Dhabi Government’s commitment to protecting its consumers, particularly by ensuring the safety and quality of food served throughout the public.