Armagh-based White's Oats has secured a £500,000 deal with Qatar Quality Products, one of the Gulf state's largest retail and distribution companies,
The deal will see White's develop its export sales business with its full range of porridge oats and granolas being made available through major retails in Qatar such as Carrefour, Lulu and Monoprix.
"Our new contract with Qatar Quality Products is an exciting opportunity as we continue to build relationships with our partners and develop our long-term sustainable export growth strategy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region," said Stuart Best, business development manager at White's
“The Northern Ireland food and drink sector has developed an unrivalled reputation for quality, taste and traceability, attributes which are highly sought after in the GCC territories. Quality and taste remain the cornerstone of our 182-year heritage.
"This is supported by our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of food security right across our oat supply chain and we look forward to bringing high quality international products to the people of Qatar.”
In Association with
White's has traded in the GCC region for more than a decade, and will this week be one of five companies from Northern Ireland to exhibit at the InvestNI stand at the Gulfood expo taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 24 February.
“As a market leader locally with an increasing focus on export outside of GB and Ireland, we are delighted to be extending our brand reach in the Middle East which is showing massive potential with a five-year forecasted growth of 19% for hot cereals," said Best.
Accounts for Whites Speedicook show turnover fell slightly to just under £17m in 2021, although profit after tax rose from £433,000 to £518,000 year-on-year. Gross profit of £3.5m was made at an unchanged margin of 21%, and net assets totalled £2.9m.
Employee numbers fell from 61 to 57 in 2021, and the company directors said the oat market was growing at a sustained level due to increased awareness of the health benefits of oats.
The company has plans for a state-of-the-art food processing facility to expand its oat milling capabilities, which it says will offer significant growth potential.
Photo: (l-r) Cesar Touma, market manager, and Danny Maalouf, government relations & business development manager at Qatar Quality Products, and Stuart Best.
