Eng. Mohamed Al Sadah, Chief Executive Officer, Hassad Food, commented: "We developed a strategic rapid action plan in line with Hassad's investment strategy, to achieve food security for the State of Qatar."
He explained that Hassad could supply all types of grains, oilseeds, and wheat from several sources, including North America, South America, Turkey, Australia, and the Black Sea region.
Hassad's CEO added, "In 2020, Hassad acquired shares in Sunrise Foods International, the world's leading organic grains and oilseeds processor and trader. Based in Canada, the company sources high-quality grains from an extensive network of producers and suppliers across the globe. Sunrise operates facilities in the United States, Canada, and Turkey - its business spans from the Black Sea Region, across Europe to North America.
Al Sadah explained that there is an agreement with Sunrise Foods, which ensures that in the event of any shortage in the Qatari market, Hassad's requirements from grains, oilseeds, and wheat are adequately met on a priority basis.
Moreover, Al Sadah explained that over the past years, Hassad signed agreements and MoUs with various global producers and suppliers of grains, oilseeds, and wheat, including Glencore International (Qatar Investment Authority is one of the largest investors in Glencore), and the Turkish Tiryaki Agro Group. Under these agreements, Hassad will be able to benefit from the core capabilities of these companies, with regard to providing grains and shipping, when needed.
"Through our investment in Paraway Pastoral Co. in Australia (one of the largest agriculture property owners and operators in Australia), Hassad can also provide huge quantities of grains as and when needed," he added.
With regards to Hassad's local investments in the grains logistics and supply chain, Hassad has developed strategic grain storage in the Al-Wukair area, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It currently includes 20 bunkers, divided between wheat, barley, and bran - the current total capacity is 250,000 tons - Hassad is currently expanding its storage facilities, where the total capacity will exceed 300,000 tons of grain upon completion of the expansion.
Hassad Food is wholly owned by the QIA, and is considered the state's investment arm in the food and agricultural sector. Hassad owns many strategic commercial investments internationally and locally, which aim to support the food security efforts of the State of Qatar. At the international level, the company owns investments in international institutions in Australia, Canada, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, and locally owns a number of its subsidiaries.
Hassad plays an important role in crisis management and the field of scientific research and development.
