Scotland-based potato producer and packer Albert Bartlett and UAE's Al Dahra National Investments have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) in Abu Dhabi.
The new company, Al Dahra Bartlett, will be engaged in potatoes and potato related products produced within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and those imported into the MEA region.
It will also distribute Albert Bartlett branded products sold within the region.
Al Dahra Bartlett will supply Egyptian processors with up to 50,000 tons of potatoes this year, with trading of fresh produce slated for 2015.
The deal combines Al Dahra's land base resources and Albert Bartlett's technical and production expertise.
Al Dahra 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."
Over the past five years, Albert Bartlett developed its presence in Europe, North America and Australasia.
Al Dahra Agriculture deals with agricultural production and processing and considers potatoes as a strategic opportunity in the region.