A new initiative aims to support Abu Dhabi’s plans to become a food supply chain hub in a bid to diversify food sources, develop new trade corridors and enhance the variety of products available in and out of the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airports have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD to establish a fully compliant and transparent origin-to-destination perishable air corridor in and out of the UAE, known as the ‘Fresh Corridor 2.0’.

Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD is the region’s largest and first food wholesale market and logistic hub, which is being developed as an integrated ecosystem for trading food commodities as part of the UAE’s food security agenda. This includes traders, logistics services providers, value add service providers, government enablers, and private commercial service providers.

The tripartite partnership wants to position the UAE as a ‘key node in global food supply chains’ or ‘global food centre’ by establishing a strong ecosystem for food trading and investment’, which would include advanced infrastructure, access to regional consumer markets, and reliable logistics and connectivity worldwide.

This partnership also aims to set new standards in commercial and operational excellence within the global food trade and will combine their knowledge and expertise in handling, storage and logistics, food safety, and hygiene to ensure seamless supply chains

Suresh Vaidhyanathan, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Food Hub, believes the collaboration will enhance multi-modal capabilities in 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.”