MIAMI, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce is partnering up with Moze Holding Limited, a Talc Investment company, to announce the signing of a Somalia-based, multi-year banana partnership located in the heart of the previously famed banana belt area.
“We are pleased to officially announce this partnership, which we believe is a game-changer for the banana industry in the region,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The move to reestablish banana operations in Somalia makes sense on many accounts—from its strategic location on the Horn of Africa to fulfilling our mission of supplying our consumers with the freshest produce available—all while aiding in the country’s recovery.”
With this partnership in place, banana transport times will be reduced, giving consumers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) access to fresher, lower-cost fruit.
Currently, bananas to the Middle East come from Central America or the Philippines, with average transit times ranging from 20–35 days. In addition, it will aid in Somalia’s economic resurgence.
“The Moze and Talc teams are delighted to work with a renowned name in agriculture, such as Fresh Del Monte, to revive the banana cultivation farms in Somaliland. This multipurpose approach will serve the communities in the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and the United Arab Emirates. Our intent is to build on this partnership in the near future as we look forward to a fruitful relationship,” said Mohammed Aldhaheri, Moze Holding and Talc Investment Chairman.
As part of the agreement, noted the release, Fresh Del Monte will have operational oversight and train the team on the ground. In return, the global produce distributor will purchase its banana supply directly from Moze, the newly established banana farm. The fruit will be sold and marketed under the Fresh Del Monte brand for its markets in the Middle East, with the first harvest expected in 2024.
Cheers to a fruitful venture!
