Innovative packaging solutions for the food industry

IRNE: What makes your products highly competitive in the Middle East market?

Haddad: Al Bayader International is today one of the Middle East's leading manufacturers and suppliers of comprehensive packaging solutions which deliver added value to the global food and beverage industries. With manufacturing, distribution and sales centres in 12 locations across the Middle East and over 300 business partners across the globe, we are able to capitalise on a product catalogue of more than 1,000 innovative packaging and disposable solutions.

Our portfolio has been structured in a way so as to offer a product for every need and occasion - from tableware to containers including boxes, trays and platters, baking moulds and sheets to bags for food wrapping; or hygiene and protection as well as decoration accessories. These products are produced in a range of materials including paper, aluminium and microwaveable plastic.

The success and competitiveness of Al Bayader - both in the range of products and service offering - has been built on providing customers with the highest standards in innovative packaging solutions, reliable service and partnerships founded on excellence. In so doing, we were the first to pioneer the introduction of a complete retail line to the market; the first to tailor-make products according to clients' needs in the region; the first to launch a comprehensive specialised catalogue in the region; and the first to have presence at all key international industry events. More importantly, we are now amongst the few Middle East packaging companies to have received a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification.

Moreover apart from hypermarkets, supermarkets, hospitality & catering (including hotels and airlines), restaurant chains, cafes, cafeterias, bakeries, government institutions, and service station convenience stores, Al Bayader also caters to the consumer segment through our highly innovative Fun? range of products.

IRNE: How would you assess the markets you serve and the health and safety regulations affecting Al Bayader's products?

Haddad: Two decades on, our local market knowledge and understanding of the business challenges faced by our diverse range of customers is unrivalled. Our services now go way beyond the straightforward sourcing, manufacturing and supplying of products. Partnership is a core component of any successful business strategy and, in Al Bayader's case, it is working directly with customers - large and small - in the development of ground-breaking solutions to meet specific needs and challenges. Whether it is the simple issue of wrapping film or the complex challenge of meeting the demand for environmentally friendly products, we develop creative, affordable, practical and functional products for our customers.

This is the main trend that is currently redefining the market and influencing our operations tremendously. We have constantly been feeling the pulse of the retail industry, through exhaustive research, translating market needs into a range of unique products, all conceptualised and designed in-house. One such range of products, pASTRIPAC - packs specifically for pastry and confectionery - rolled out of our Jebel Ali facility in November 2010.

pASTRIPAC enhances product appeal by clearly showcasing the content, thereby adding value to the product. Made exclusively of PET - currently one of the fastest growing materials in the food packaging sector - it provides superior clarity, excellent barrier properties, inherent strength, durability and shock resistance. The innovative designs take into account four main areas - operational excellence, safety, presentation, and consumer convenience.

With regards to the health and safety reguNIKE