Global food chain supplier opens shop in Uganda, pledges to help farmers
Apr 11, 2010
IFTRA, an international food supply chain, has expanded its operations in Uganda. A leader in integrated food supply chain solutions, the firm offers expertise in managing food products right from the farm gate in producing countries to the markets.
By Ben Mugisha
IFTRA, an international food supply chain, has expanded its operations in Uganda. A leader in integrated food supply chain solutions, the firm offers expertise in managing food products right from the farm gate in producing countries to the markets.
“Our functional expert teams worldwide manage an integrated supply chain for seafood, fruit and vegetables, agricultural meat and poultry products, delivering consistent value to our customers.
Our global trade is around 50,000 tonnes annually,†Manoj Sreekanta, the managing director, explained. Based in Dubai, IFTRA operates in Egypt, China, Japan, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
It started its operations in Uganda last year by acquiring the assets of a European Union approved fish processing factory (formerly Uganda Marine Products) in Kampala.
“IFTRA’s global turnover in seafood last year was over sh120b and exports from Uganda contributed about sh30b to that,†Sreekanta said.
He disclosed that the firm had invested up to sh8b in Uganda, which would be doubled by end of this year.
“We give equal opportunities to our employees regardless of ethnicity, religion or sex,†Sreekanta said. The firm employs over 200 locals directly and indirectly.
“Our presence and vigilance in all processes guarantees that the meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables reaching the markets are of the highest grades, packaging, quality, freshness and flavour, †he said.
Sreekanta said meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables were transported in refrigerated containers and utilises cool chain cargo solutions of leading carriers.
“Our major focus for expansion in Uganda will be in the agricultural produce.
“The level of engagement with manufacturers will be buying and selling. The suppliers will benefit from our direct access to the food service and retail markets. We have markets in the EU, Middle East and central Africa,†Sreekanta said.
He said they will assist the farmers to value add. “We have a branding and consultancy division that helps to create winning brands and successful business models for the small-and- medium enterprises.
“Our branding division is a joint venture with one of the best international brand consulting firms.
“We hope our suppliers in Uganda will get maximum benefits to nurture their own global identities,†he observed.
IFTRA, an international food supply chain, has expanded its operations in Uganda. A leader in integrated food supply chain solutions, the firm offers expertise in managing food products right from the farm gate in producing countries to the markets.
“Our functional expert teams worldwide manage an integrated supply chain for seafood, fruit and vegetables, agricultural meat and poultry products, delivering consistent value to our customers.
Our global trade is around 50,000 tonnes annually,†Manoj Sreekanta, the managing director, explained. Based in Dubai, IFTRA operates in Egypt, China, Japan, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
It started its operations in Uganda last year by acquiring the assets of a European Union approved fish processing factory (formerly Uganda Marine Products) in Kampala.
“IFTRA’s global turnover in seafood last year was over sh120b and exports from Uganda contributed about sh30b to that,†Sreekanta said.
He disclosed that the firm had invested up to sh8b in Uganda, which would be doubled by end of this year.
“We give equal opportunities to our employees regardless of ethnicity, religion or sex,†Sreekanta said. The firm employs over 200 locals directly and indirectly.
“Our presence and vigilance in all processes guarantees that the meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables reaching the markets are of the highest grades, packaging, quality, freshness and flavour, †he said.
Sreekanta said meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables were transported in refrigerated containers and utilises cool chain cargo solutions of leading carriers.
“Our major focus for expansion in Uganda will be in the agricultural produce.
“The level of engagement with manufacturers will be buying and selling. The suppliers will benefit from our direct access to the food service and retail markets. We have markets in the EU, Middle East and central Africa,†Sreekanta said.
He said they will assist the farmers to value add. “We have a branding and consultancy division that helps to create winning brands and successful business models for the small-and- medium enterprises.
“Our branding division is a joint venture with one of the best international brand consulting firms.
“We hope our suppliers in Uganda will get maximum benefits to nurture their own global identities,†he observed.