Growing global demand for superfoods whets appetite for blueberries from the UAE
Blueberries grown in the UAE will soon be enjoyed by customers as far away as Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Elite Agro is the UAE’s only producer of blueberries and grows four varieties of the fruit in 20 greenhouses at its farm in Al Foah, near Al Ain.
The blueberries are on sale at shops across the Emirates and online, but are now also destined for international markets for the first time, the company said yesterday.
It follows a surge in production at the farm. During this year’s harvest season – January to May – the company expects to increase its output of blueberries to 290 tonnes, compared with 210 tonnes last year.
Each of the greenhouses now contain 3,350 blueberry plants, the fruit of which are sold under the Elite Berry brand in the Emirates.
The export drive is being led by Elite Global Fresh Trading, a subsidiary of Elite Agro, as it seeks international expansion.
“As the UAE’s only producer of locally grown blueberries, through investment in our farms, our increased capacity has enabled us to build commercial strength, while continuing to support the UAE’s ongoing food security agenda,” said Abdulmonem Al Marzooqi, divisional chief executive at Elite Agro.
“We are extremely proud of our expansion into new export markets, with international customers now being able to enjoy our high-quality Elite Berry blueberry varieties in support of their health and well-being.”
The company planted its first blueberry saplings in 2017. Since then, the business has expanded its production of blueberries to cater to a growing demand for the famous superfood.
It also grows raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and potatoes in the Emirates.
More foods, from oysters to lettuce, are being grown and produced locally as the country bolsters its food security.