The corridor, known as Fresh Corridor 2.0, will support the diversification of food sources, develop new trade corridors and enhance the choice and variety of products available for regional customers.
The partners aim to establish an ecosystem for food trading and investment, which includes advanced infrastructure, access to regional consumer markets and reliable logistics and global connectivity.
The collaboration between the partners will involve exchanging knowledge and expertise in handling, storage and logistics, food safety and hygiene.
It will address the evolving demands of the food trade by liaising with government stakeholders, relevant facilitators and key contributors to ensure seamless trade.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of 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 of Abu Dhabi Airports, says, “The launch of the Fresh Corridor 2.0 will encourage 2-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, CEO of Abu Dhabi Food Hub, adds, “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.”