Asias Largest Producer Of Aluminium Joins Hands With Foodco



April 11, 2005 -- The Abu Dhabi National Foodstuff Company (Foodco) signed an agreement with Hindalco, Asia's largest integrated primary producer of aluminium, formalising a commercial relationship to produce the Wrap 'n' Roll brand of aluminium foil rolls for distribution within the UAE and for re-export to the neighbouring markets.

Foodco's Managing Director, Ahmed bin Ali Khalfan Al Dhahery signed the agreement along with Hindalco's General Manager, Debashis Pati at a meeting in Abu Dhabi yesterday (9th April).

"This commercial venture will ensure a steady and high quality supply of aluminium foil rolls to the UAE, while Foodco through its extensive distribution network and supplier base will undertake sales and marketing of Wrap 'n' Roll aluminium foil rolls which will be produced to international specifications," said Mr. Al Dhahery.

He added that there was a considerable demand for high quality aluminium foil rolls in the UAE and the region from the corporate hospitality industry as well as end users. "There is a dearth of high quality aluminium foil rolls in the regional market and the companies that are supplying aluminium rolls are either of a very inferior grade or are too highly priced and this has created a vacuum in the market. We are positive that our agreement with Hindalco, who are the most cost-efficient producers of aluminium globally, will eventually benefit the regional consumer and help us deliver on our promise of providing genuine satisfaction to the consumer," Mr. Al Dhahery remarked.

"We are delighted to partner with Foodco, one of UAE's leading FMCG companies involved in foodstuff distribution operations," said Mr. Pati. "This agreement is in line with our corporate strategy to promote our products and create new markets through pro-active partnerships," he said.

Over the years, Hindalco's name has become synonymous with quality and pulls the entire aluminium market upwards. "Our stringent quality control standards, have ensured that a Hindalco-certified product, assumes very high credibility internationally," Mr. Pati observed.

The initial production run for Foodco will comprise 86,000 cases per annum of varying gauges from 12 microns to 19 microns and roll measurements would range between 7.7 meters and 61 meters.

Hindalco Industries Limited, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, is structured into two strategic businesses - aluminium and copper - and is an industry leader in both segments. A non-ferrous metals powerhouse, of global stature, the INR 8,196 crore (consolidated revenues - FY 2004) company's integrated operations and operating efficiency have positioned Hindalco as India's largest integrated player in aluminium. It ranks among India's top ten companies in terms of market capitalisation.

Hindalco commenced its operations in 1962 and has grown into the largest integrated aluminium manufacturer of India. In India, Hindalco enjoys a leadership position for aluminium and downstream products. Hindalco's aluminium division's product range includes rolled products, extrusions, foils, alloy wheels and primary aluminium ingots, billets and wire rods.

Besides being a dominant player in the Indian aluminium market, Hindalco's products are well accepted in international markets. Its aluminium metal is accepted for delivery under the High Grade Aluminium Contract on the London Metal Exchange - the global hub for non-ferrous metal trading. All of Hindalco's units are ISO9001 and 14001 certified, while several have also attained the OHSAS 18001 - the occupational health and safety certification.

The world average per capita consumption of aluminium is estimated 5 kg and the western world average is estimated to be around 20 kg.

Foodco is a public shareholding entity that operates under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. The company is head quartered in Abu Dhabi with branches in Dubai and Al Ain.

Prominent among Foodco's portfolio of brands include Virginia, Shehrazade, Mubarak Basmati Rice, Hafeet Spring Water, Quick Tea, Karkade Cordial Drink, F Tissues, Al Safwa Powder Milk, Danchi Chicken, Master Food and Master Chef range of food products.

For more information, please contact:
Ajay Rajguru
BIZ COM
Tel: +971 4 332-0888
Fax: +971 4 332-0999
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Asias Largest Producer Of Aluminium Joins Hands With Foodco