UAE Market Insights & Opportunities

UAE presents many opportunities for Australian food and agri-businesses and is a major re-export hub across the Middle East, Subcontinent and North Africa. Register now to learn about the recent developments and numerous opportunities in this key Middle Eastern market from experienced executive Mr Kirti Meghnani, Head of Procurement - Retail, Choithrams UAE. The insights shared will include:

• UAE market overview and trends
• Recent developments arising from the pandemic
• Opportunities for Australian products
• What Choithrams looks for in a supplier
• How Australian brands can supply Choithrams
• Opportunity for Q&A

This live online forum will be moderated by Najib Lawand, Founding Director, Export Connect who brings over 25 years’ experience in food & agribusiness export market development across Asia and the Middle East. We are excited to partner with the Australian Food & Grocery Council, Australia's peak food and grocery body on this forum. With 100% of attendees from our first live online forum recommending Export Connect forums to industry peers, this is one not to miss! Spots are limited so secure your spot now to avoid missing out!

About the speakers

Mr Kirti Meghnani, Choithrams

Kirti Meghnani is the Head of Procurement for Retail at Choithrams UAE. Kirti joined Choithrams in 1984, in the IT department and has worked in different departments like warehouse 7 supply chain, retail operations and procurement in the company for more than three decades. In 2012, Kirti was named the Group Procurement Manager and has remained at the helm of sourcing for the renowned organization. Chaitrams is one of the largest retail groups in the Middle Eastern. The 75-year-old company is spread across more than 25 countries. Choithrams first came to the Middle-east in the early ’70s and since expanded in 4 countries – UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain with 65 stores. Choithram's distribution business is as big as retailing in terms of value, and which employs over 3000 people in the Middle East. They are also active in different verticals of the food & beverage industry like manufacturing, indenting, distribution, retailing, etc.

Najib Lawand, Export Connect

Najib Lawand founded Export Connect in June 2017 in order to use the skills, connections and expertise he acquired over 25 years in the industry to help food & agribusinesses prepare for the right markets and connect with the right buyers and grow. Najib is highly experienced in export market development, having spent a quarter of a century leading Australian food-export businesses and agri-food industry development teams. He is well known for his capabilities in opening up new export markets and has worked extensively across the Middle East, North and South-East Asia. The value of Export Connect’s services to Australian business is proven by our work. Since founding in June 2017, we’ve delivered 130+ projects for 90+ clients covering 20+ markets.

Samantha Blake, Australian Food and Grocery Council

Samantha Blake is Director, Industry Affairs at the Australian Food and Grocery Council. She works with members on a wide range of commercial, supply chain and retail trade issues impacting the Australian market. Some of the ways Samantha helps members and the industry is work on the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, end-to-end value chain opportunities, commercial and sales capabilities and enhancing the financial competitiveness of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. Members draw on her insights from 18 years’ experience working in the industry in Australia and United Kingdom. This work encompassed all areas of food operations including executive management roles in manufacturing, technical and supply chain divisions of FMCG organisations. She was responsible for production, maintenance, engineering, quality, product and process development so has a deep understanding to support members.