Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Airports, Abu Dhabi Food Hub sign deal
Agreement demonstrates commitment to expand food trade network, position UAE as key node in global food supply chain
(From left): Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways and Suresh Vaidhyanathan, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Food Hub at the signing of the MoU
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Airports, a key enabler of the emirate’s aviation sector, and Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD, the region’s largest and first dedicated food wholesale market and logistic hub, have signed a tri-party memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a fully compliant and transparent origin-to-destination perishable air corridor.
Known as the Fresh Corridor 2.0, the initiative will support the diversification of food sources, developing new trade corridors and enhancing the choice and variety of products available for regional consumers, says a release from Etihad Cargo.
"This MoU sets a framework for Abu Dhabi’s food trade enablers to position the UAE as a key node in global food supply chains. The partners, together, aim to establish a strong ecosystem for food trading and investment, which includes advanced infrastructure, access to regional consumer markets, and reliable logistics and connectivity worldwide."
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways says: “Etihad Cargo is committed to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, and is proud to be an active partner in the launch of the region’s largest food wholesale market – Abu Dhabi Food Hub at KEZAD. Etihad Cargo customers will benefit from the expanded infrastructure as a strategic hub in the Middle East to the rest of the world.”
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports adds: “Our collective proposition to facilitate trade in and out of the UAE will further support the commercial development of the emirate as a global food centre. We are delighted to be a part of this MoU along with Etihad Cargo and Abu Dhabi Food Hub. The launch of the Fresh Corridor 2.0 will encourage two-way food trade between the UAE and the rest of the world, bringing food products into the UAE but also taking our Made in the UAE products to the world in a bold step towards diversification and growth of imports and exports."
Suresh Vaidhyanathan, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Food Hub says: “This agreement is a testimony of our commitment to develop and operate the food hub as one of the finest food wholesale markets globally. This collaboration will indeed enhance our multi-modal capabilities as we seek to position the UAE as a leader in the regional food value chain. We are excited to support the global food players in accessing the regional consumer markets with integrated supply chain solutions and incorporating the most recent technologies and further be a key enabler in food trade diversification and UAE’s food security agenda. Our vision is to create an unparalleled ecosystem of sellers and buyers from around the world.”
Positioned between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Food Hub - KEZAD is a 3.3 sq km integrated ecosystem designed to facilitate wholesale food trade and logistics, both domestically and internationally, the release added.
