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Alternative import sources, stable prices this Ramadan

Different cooperatives and outlets in the UAE have said that they will provide various types of products with stable prices throughout Ramadan.

Food safety is one of the cornerstones of food security systems in the UAE, in line with the national agenda and vision of UAE 2021. Hence, even with the recent ban on import of essential products from some countries, the local authorities have assured that prices have been stabilised for Ramadan and there is no shortage of food. 
Recently, the UAE banned the import of fruits and vegetables from some Arab countries due to the presence of pesticides and violations of import standards. 
The Ministry of Economy has said that the UAE is open to new markets and that there is no shortage of food quantities or increase in prices seen during Ramadan.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the ministry, has agreed with the importers of vegetables and fruits to cover markets from other countries that are not affected by the recent ban.
"After a meeting with entities dealing with vegetables and fruits in Dubai, it was agreed that they cover the gap in the local market with varieties from new countries that are not included in the ones subjected to the embargo - namely Egypt, Oman, Jordan and Lebanon."
Import of peppers all kinds from Egypt has been banned while ?peppers, cabbage, flower, lettuce, zucchini, beans and eggplant from Jordan has been banned.
The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment has also said that the local market has not been affected by the decision. In a statement, it said that the decision will have no effect either on the quantities or varieties, thanks to the availability of other sources and alternative markets to get these products from.
The UAE markets responded immediately and fruits and vegetables are now being imported from other countries including Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, the Netherlands, Malaysia, New Zealand, America, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Turkey, France, Italy and Spain among others.
Local production also helps to meet market demand, the ministry said. The ministry ensures that all foodstuffs and products, whether locally produced or imported, are safe for consumption through strict supervision.
Meanwhile, different cooperatives and outlets in the UAE have said they will provide various types of products with stable prices throughout Ramadan.
Promotional offers and discounts will also be offered during Ramadan to prevent shortage. Cooperatives have long-term contracts with major product suppliers, especially for vegetables and fruits, as well as other products such as rice, which were imported from alternative markets.
Official said that strategic stocks are being provided to meet market needs beyond Ramadan, so that people do not need to store products. This will also contribute in the rationalisation of prices and consumption.
Officials at Lulu Hypermarkets said that they are obliged by the regulations of the Ministry of Economy and they don't exploit the holy month to indiscriminately promote food items. The hypermarket has launched its promotional campaigns for Ramadan in an initiative designed in a way to support and reduce the burden on shoppers.
"Lulu this Ramadan has introduced two types of Ramadan food baskets that contain either 12 or 20 items of different basic Ramadan items, worth Dh85 and Dh120," said an official.
amira@khaleejtimes.com