Partnership Provides SMEs Ease of Access to Perishables Market in the UAE and Wider Region

Dubai, UAE, May 4, 2016:  AKM Foodstuff Trading has announced the launch of AKM Logistics DWC LLC, a 24/7 food products distribution, repacking and storage facility at the Logistics District at Dubai South. The facility will enable easier access to the perishables market for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE and the wider region. 

The latest AED28 million investment follows the set-up of AKM Shipping and Logistics LLC in 2014, and reflects the company’s commercial ambitions to expand its third party logistics (3PL) activities. AKM Logistics plans to add 50,000 pallet space with an investment outlay of AED100 million by 2020, and will expand into food related value added processing facilities for food importers into GCC. 

The 7500 square metre facility caters to the retail, wholesale, and food service sectors within the Middle East, and has a total capacity of 10,000 pallets and 35 work stations that SMEs can utilize until they achieve their own economies of scale. The facility provides secured logistical services as well as customs bonded freight forwarding services for faster transit time to target markets. Clients can also leverage AKM Foodstuff Trading’s local know-how, strong market reputation and expertise in services such as marketing, storage, and delivery of goods for all sizes and volumes. 

Welcoming AKM Logistics, Ahmed Al Ansari, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Dubai South, said: “The business friendly ecosystem of Dubai South provides a solid platform for which companies such as AKM Logistics can use to grow their networks of clients and prospective business partners, and to also connect with important global markets. This will, in turn, benefit SMEs as they enter and navigate the perishable goods market in the UAE and wider GCC region.

“Additionally, the unique location of the Logistics District, and its convenient network of air, sea and road transportation opens a wealth of commercial opportunities for business upscaling while reducing high operational costs normally associated with multi-market distribution companies.”

Ajit Kumar Mishra, managing director of AKM Foodstuff Trading, said: “We are happy to partner with Dubai South to launch our facilities at what we consider to be the heart of the logistics industry in the Middle East and wider region.  We pride ourselves in supporting new and exciting ventures and help them off the ground by providing customised storage and logistical solutions. Sound infrastructure and a stable commercial environment are vital to the success of our business and Dubai South has certainly provided the perfect platform for our company to better serve our customers, increase market share and optimise efficiencies.”

AKM Foodstuff Trading owns a registered trademark of the brands Country Greens, Carnival, and Searock. The company’s products range from fish and seafood, meat and poultry to fruits, frozen vegetables and dairy products. In operation for six years, the group has a turnover of AED70 million and over 500 wholesale and institutional clients.