ZAD Holding Company to launch new products

13/12/2017 06:03 AST

ZAD Holding Company, which is participating in this year's edition of 'Made in Qatar', said there are plans to launch new products that would support the local market amid the economic blockade imposed on the country.

At 'Made in Qatar 2017', which is slated to open tomorrow (December 14) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), ZAD Holding Company will showcase samples of various products such as flour, edible oil, baked goods, and pasta, under some of its subsidiaries.

"There are plans to release new products into the market, and this will be to further aid Qatar during the blockade and ensure that the residents of Qatar can go about their daily life with as little interruption as possible," ZAD Holding Company CEO Tarique Mohamed told Gulf Times. He said the company had increased production capacity and stepped up efforts to guarantee the continuous supply of its products to the local market.

"ZAD and its subsidiaries are dedicated to supplying Qatar with quality products, and it is proud to support the country in its time of need. We are stepping up our production capabilities in a multitude of ways to ensure that those that live and work in Qatar can still get good quality products," he emphasised.

Since the economic blockade, which was imposed on Qatar in June, Mohamed said ZAD Holding Company had implemented significant policies to prevent any disruption in its operations.

"Due to the blockade, we have had to evaluate various processes, one being where we source certain raw materials from, such as packaging. ZAD has made various changes to increase the production capacities; this is inclusive of opening new plants, as well as increasing the capacity of the existing plants," Mohamed noted.

Asked about development plans in the pipeline, particularly in 2018, Mohamed said: "There are a few development plans that are currently underway that we are all really excited about - though we are unable to discuss these in detail as yet."

Mohamed said the company has increased the capacity of its flour mill "and is now able to supply 100% of Qatar's needs."

"The cold storage facility has been delayed due to issues with sourcing certain materials. This is, however, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2018," he continued.

"Sheikh Nawaf bin Mohamed bin Jabor al-Thani, along with the other board members, are always looking for ways to further develop our ability to provide high quality and innovative products in the bakery and edible oil segments.

"While the blockade has played a part in the new plans, it has only acted as a catalyst to further increase plans to lessen Qatar's dependency on imports, and further promote products that are made in Qatar," he added.

Gulf Times