Made in UAE: Blueberries grown in Abu Dhabi now exported to India, Japan and Thailand – News

The first UAE company to export to markets such as Japan that have strict requirements for high-quality certification

The Abu Dhabi-based UAE company has expanded exports of its popular homegrown blueberries to new destinations including Japan, Thailand, India and Cambodia.

Elite Global Fresh Trading (EGFT), a subsidiary of Elite Agro Holding (EAG), the agricultural arm of Yas Holding, is a leading producer and trader of sustainably grown quality fresh produce. EAG is the first and largest grower of blueberries in the country and the first UAE company to export to markets such as Japan that have strict requirements for high-quality certification.

Exports of the “Elite Berry” brand started this month and will continue until the end of May. In 2024, the company plans to extend the export season from January to May and add new export markets as EAG’s local farms expand production using sustainable farming capabilities.

“We are proud to see the expansion of our international distribution network for our high-quality and popular blueberries. This strategic move supports the UAE’s vision for food security and its economic diversification, while positioning the country among elite agricultural exporters,” said Dr. Abdulmonem Almarzooqi, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Elite Agro Holding.

Last year, EGFT exported locally grown blueberries to international markets in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong for the first time.

“Our export expansion demonstrates our commercial strength as well as our strong and sustainable agricultural capabilities. We are optimistic about the future growth of blueberry exports to these new markets, despite strong competition from producers in Morocco, Spain and Peru, But we’re already in those markets,” Dr Almarzooqi noted.

EGFT will export the Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO) blueberry variety, which has premium qualities such as extra-large size, long shelf life, increased sweetness, firmness and excellent texture. The farm uses two-hand picking techniques, ensuring that the time between picking and shipping does not exceed 24 hours to provide maximum freshness. It implements special temperature control requirements during post-production at its packaging facilities to ensure its premium products stay fresher for longer before reaching their final international customers. All exports will be by air.

“There is a huge demand in the Asia-Pacific region for fresh, tasty and high-quality blueberries produced in the UAE, and EAG is a pioneer and leading producer of five fruits,” added Dr Almarzooqi.

EAG grows five exclusive MBO blueberry varieties at its Al Foah farm in Al Ain as the company doubles its blueberry production capacity with the addition of 14 hectares of greenhouses dedicated to growing an additional 72,000 plants for the 2023 harvest . Its production has risen over the past two years, from 205 to 280 tons of blueberries in 2022 to almost 400 tons in 2023.

EAG employs a combination of environmentally friendly, sustainable and modern farming solutions and practices across its UAE farms to minimize the use of natural resources and optimize crop yields. These include fully automated plant-to-harvest methods, advanced adaptive irrigation, integrated pest management and post-harvest management.

EAG has extensive expertise in sustainable farming, gained from operating more than 30 local and international farms. In addition, the company grows and supplies local markets with a range of high-quality fruits and vegetables, including raspberry and blackberry varieties, strawberries and potatoes, among other fresh produce.