First published: 07-Dec-2023 10:57:08

Rahma Extra Virgin and Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is certified carbon neutral, is available in all GCC countries.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in an important step that reinforces its commitment to combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions, IFFCO International Group, the leading international group headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, announced the implementation of sustainable practices in olive oil production operations, as The first of its kind in the region of carbon neutral olive oil products will be developed under its famous “Rahma” brand, which will contribute to preserving the rich flavor of olive oil and reducing the environmental impact of its production.

The Rahma brand has reduced the carbon footprint of its operations and set a roadmap to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 in its olive oil value chain, in the context of its ongoing efforts to improve its environmental performance. With the declaration of 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates, and the country hosting the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), the IFFCO International Group cooperated with Climate Impact Partners, which specializes in carbon market solutions, to stimulate climate action. , in order to accelerate the carbon neutrality certification of two of its main products, namely extra virgin olive oil and organic extra virgin olive oil.

On this occasion, Radwan Ahmed, Executive Director of IFFCO International Group, said: Since its establishment in 1975, IFFCO International Group has been manufacturing and marketing an integrated range of food products, their derivatives, intermediates and related services. Based on our extensive regional experience in the sector, we fully understand the importance of valuing natural resources, and we are proud of the efforts we implement to promote sustainable food systems. Environmental, social and corporate governance is one of the main aspects of our strategy, and we have been able to conduct research to produce carbon neutral olive oil and obtain an accredited certificate, in the context of our efforts to protect the planet and encourage sustainable practices in our sector, and to consolidate the IFCO Group’s global position in efforts to reduce... Using fossil fuels and reducing the carbon footprint.

He added: “The headquarters of the 'Rahma' factory and farm are located in green Tunisia, and we are pleased to announce that this factory is currently producing and distributing organic, carbon-neutral extra virgin and extra virgin olive oils, to be exported to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman and Bahrain. It reflects This step is the continuous growth and strategic direction of the group, which focuses on six main axes: the work team, excellence, customer satisfaction, sustainability, growth, and governance, which consolidates the group’s leading position in the consumer goods sector.”

The company is following a series of measures to improve its environmental footprint, which includes a comprehensive strategy to reduce the environmental impact of olive oil production. In this context, it works to develop internal practices and closely cooperate with suppliers and olive growers to implement sound practices and procedures that preserve the environment across food systems.

The “Rahma” brand received the carbon neutral product certification from Climate Impact Partners following its support for two projects within the organization’s broad portfolio, which would make a tangible difference and contribute to keeping the rise in global temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius. These two projects are Global Renewable Energy Portfolio and the Aqua Clara Water Period Project in Kenya, where the Group pursued a strategy of investing outside its operations to offset remaining CO2 emissions.

The water project in which the group is participating in Kenya, along with other renewable energy projects in India, China and Brazil, contributes to creating a tangible social impact, as the total emissions that will be offset through Climate Impact Partners amount to 13,226 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent. . IFCO Group's keenness to invest in these projects comes from its belief in the importance of offsetting the emissions resulting from its operations and contributing to achieving comprehensive sustainability in the region.

For his part, James White, Senior Sustainability Executive from Climate Impact Partners, said: “We cooperate with major institutions around the world to take effective practical steps to confront climate change and build a more sustainable world, and the participatory approach we follow enhances the ability of institutions to reduce their impact.” climate change by providing it with high-quality carbon market solutions, which also help leave a positive impact on nature and local communities. As a trusted partner of the 'Rahma' brand, we worked together to enable the company to explore the capabilities and advantages it enjoys, and formulate the options available to it to determine the most appropriate strategy. To continue its efforts in the field of climate action.

IFFCO Group's global efforts in the field of sustainability are not limited to production operations, as the group cooperates with suppliers and business sectors to encourage them to follow sustainable practices. The group also contributes to enhancing biodiversity to protect the ecosystems surrounding olive groves.

Mohamed Itani, CEO of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Levant for Oils and Fats Management at the Iffco International Group, added: “By launching carbon-neutral olive oil, we seek to establish new standards in the sector and inspire others to follow the same path, as we believe that it is the duty of companies.” Protecting the environment and encouraging sustainable practices, we hope that our efforts will contribute to motivating companies, including our farmers and suppliers, to join efforts to combat climate change and work towards building a sustainable future. We have also redesigned the packaging in a way that reflects our deep-rooted values and commitment to the environment, to include inscriptions Designed by the creative Steve Noble, it expresses IFCO Group's global incorporation of the values of integrity and care for the natural world into every aspect of our business, including marketing.”

Itani continued: “We are very proud to introduce Rahma carbon-neutral olive oil to the market. This important step, which prioritizes sustainability and the application of innovative practices, is the way towards protecting our planet and promoting sustainable practices within the food industry. We are committed to moving forward to achieve change and inspire others to Following in the same footsteps, we believe that joint work will contribute to building a more sustainable and brighter future for future generations.”

“Consumers around the world are increasingly interested in what goes through the food they eat until it reaches their table,” said Enrique Merino, CEO of IFCO International Group’s Olive Oil Business Unit in Iberia, who oversees the operations of the Tunisia factory. “They are well aware of the necessity of adopting more sustainable shopping habits.” With the launch of the new emission-free alternatives to olive oil, “Rahma,” we will ease their burden and make it easier for them to switch to using products that are more compatible with environmental standards in their daily lives without compromising on good taste and high quality, to confirm our commitment to the environment and the health of the planet.”

It is worth noting that the IFFCO International Group recently launched its report on environmental, social and institutional governance, which outlines its commitment to sustainability goals, and places sustainable practices at the heart of its operations and the entire value chain, including upgrading operations and modernizing practices across the entire value chain and the group’s portfolio in order to provide services and food that reduce... carbon footprint, improving the way natural resources are used, and the quality of life in the communities within which the group operates.

The launch of Rahma carbon-neutral virgin olive oils constitutes another important step in the group’s efforts to contribute to adopting sustainable changes in the food system, as it follows an agenda aimed at investing in the future in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from changes in the use of agricultural land, and to enhance the efforts of... Working towards stopping deforestation in order to produce major crops, reduce waste generation, use low-emission packaging materials, and address water scarcity.

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About IFFCO International Group:

It is a private international group based in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1975 and manufactures and markets a full range of food products, their derivatives, intermediates and related services. The group has developed leading consumer goods brands including “London Dairy”, “Tiffany”, “Noor”, “Rahma”, “Al Baker”, “Hayat” and “Savannah”, thanks to the presence of 95 facilities in 50 countries, providing... +80 brands in over 100 markets. IFFCO offers competitive consumer value reaching many markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

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