Qatar’s Baladna signs manufacturing deal with global cheese giant The Bel Group

Qatar’s leading food and dairy producer, Baladna has signed a landmark manufacturing agreement with global cheese and snack giant The Bel Group.

This collaboration brings new opportunities for both companies, starting with the production of The Laughing Cow jars cheese in 2023 and Baladna producing more of Bel Group’s products in the near future.

Producing popular products by international brands such as Bel not only will reduce imports and make the food in supermarkets less vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, but it will also provide a more responsible, environmentally conscious option for Qatari consumers.

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Bel Group, who are world leaders in cheese products. This collaboration will allow us to expand the dairy offerings in Qatar and provide customers with even more high-quality products. As a leading dairy brand in Qatar, Baladna is committed to supporting food sustainability efforts in the country. We are excited to benefit from Bel Group’s unparalleled know-how as we look to expand our range of dairy products and make international brands more accessible in the Qatari market. We believe this partnership will have a positive impact on the dairy industry in Qatar and improve consumer choices.”

Perhaps best known in this region for the popular Jibnet Abu Walad cheese, the Bel Group has a long history and reputation in the cheese industry, with roots dating back to 1865. It’s core international brands include The Laughing Cow, Kiri, Babybel, Boursin, Nurishh, Pom’Potes and GoGo squeeZ, with products distributed in nearly 120 countries.

BEL for Near & Middle East Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Garo Matossian said that “The Bel Group is deeply committed to making our products accessible to new consumers and building sustainable partnerships with local producers around the world. This strategic partnership with Baladna in Qatar is an exciting step forward in our presence in the Middle Eastern Gulf, in line with our mission to deliver healthier and responsible food for all. By combining their expertise with our delicious cream cheese, and our knowledge of cheese products, this partnership will enable us to offer consumers, delicious, nutritious, and accessible cheese products, and become a leader in the region’s fast-growing dairy market.”

The partnership with Bel Group is part of Baladna’s ongoing commitment to expanding its successful production model and ensuring dairy self-sufficiency in Qatar. As a 100 percent Qatari company, Baladna is dedicated to providing high-quality, locally-sourced products to the Qatar market and promoting sustainable food production with minimal impact on the environment.

The company already exports its dairy and juice products across the region, including to Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Oman.

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