The Food & Beverage Manufacturing Business Group (FBMBG) of Dubai Chamber has elected Saleh Abdullah Lootah, managing director of Al Islami Foods, as its chairman.

Tarek Al Sakka, general manager of Dubai Refreshments, was elected as vice chairman during an election meeting held at the Dubai Chamber.

The elected committee discussed the ways to improve functioning of the group to emerge as a main voice for the sector, especially the food sector. The meeting also discussed appropriate solutions to their issues.

“Major challenges faced by the food sector in Dubai include the high cost of doing business, fixing of food prices as well as export related issues. The team will work jointly to find solutions to the common challenges faced by the business community,” said Lootah.

Lootah pointed out that the Group’s priority now is to increase the membership and to bring non-members to its fold.

He said there are about 2,500 food companies operating in Dubai. “In light of the emirate’s idealistic location we are expecting to attract more investors to the food sector as it is one the leading drivers of the UAE economy,” he added.

Hassan Al Hashemi, director External Relations, Dubai Chamber, stated that the reactivation of the group is a good sign for the food and beverage manufacturing sector as this will not only promote growth of the sector but will also allow the members to coordinate and follow up on the issues faced by their sector.

Al Hashemi added: “The food sector in the country is going through a period of positive growth with expected food consumption compound annual growth forecast of 5.11 per cent from 2006 to 2015 and per-capita forecast for food consumption annual growth of 3.07 per cent during the same period.”

He also pointed out the food consumption growth this year is expected to rise to 4.9 per cent. – TradeArabia News Service