Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (centre), Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq Group, and Dr Sheikh Thani bin Ali bin Saud Al Thani (right), board member of QICCA, presenting the award to Ramez Al Khayyat, Vice-Chairman
Doha: Baladna Food Industries, the largest Qatari Dairy farm has been awarded the Social Responsibility Award 2017 by Dar Al Sharq printing, publishing and distribution company.
Baladna was rewarded for being one of the most prominent entities that played a significant role in bridging the gap between demand and supply of dairy products in the country.
When the blockade started, Baladna was among the first to initiate and work with Qatar towards its self-sufficiency goals. This award recognizes Baladna’s efforts in meeting the local market demand and fulfilling the country’s agricultural and livestock needs.
The ‘5th Conference on Social Responsibility and Awards’ took place at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sports and Social Activities Support Fund (Daam).
Upon receiving the award, Ramez Al Khayyat, Partner and Vice Chairman of Baladna Food Industries said: “Serving the country and its local market are amongst our top priorities at Baladna. We are very honored to have received this prestigious award from Dar Al Sharq and to be recognized as one of the leading contributors to sustainable development in Qatar.” Al Khayyat added, “This award encourages us to continue striving to give back to Qatar and its people.”
Peter Weltevreden, CEO of Baladna Food Industries stated, “Social responsibility is a core value that Baladna adheres to as it continues to move forth towards the development of a self-sufficient Qatar and it is a great honor being recognised for such a noble cause.”
Baladna has been an active contributor to the Qatari economy over the past few years. As a result of the blockade, Baladna accelerated the diversification of segments to help enhance its role in meeting the community requirements.
Established in January 2013, Baladna Food Industries has grown to be Qatar’s largest locally-owned food and dairy supplier, and the only fresh milk supplier providing over 85% of the country’s fresh dairy product.
The rapidly expanding Baladna Farm is located an hour north of Doha on Shamal Road and is open to public. It spans over 40 hectares of land and is home to 60,000 sheep and 35,000 goats, and over 5,000 Holstein cows.
Baladna’s fast-growing product line includes dairy products, oriental sweets, and frozen foods. Baladna is also a local leader in animal feed and fertilizer production.
