Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Airports, and Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD, have signed a tri-party memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a fully compliant and transparent origin-to-destination perishable air corridor known as the 'Fresh Corridor 2.0'.

The initiative aims to support the diversification of food sources, developing new trade corridors and enhancing the choice and variety of products available for regional consumers. 

The MoU also sets a framework for Abu Dhabi’s food trade enablers to position the UAE as a key node in global food supply chains.

"The partners, together, aim to establish a strong ecosystem for food trading and investment, which includes advanced infrastructure, access to regional consumer markets, and reliable logistics and connectivity worldwide," the announcement said.

It added that the agreement strengthens the integrated offering of Abu Dhabi through collaborative efforts by the three parties that involve an exchange of knowledge and expertise in handling, storage and logistics, food safety, and hygiene as part of the trading process.

Furthermore, the partnership is dedicated to addressing the evolving demands of the food trade by liaising with government stakeholders, relevant facilitators, and key contributors from the food ecosystem, thus ensuring a seamless trade.

"Etihad Cargo is committed to the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 and is proud to be an active partner in the launch of the region’s largest food wholesale market – Abu Dhabi Food Hub at KEZAD. Etihad Cargo customers will benefit from the expanded infrastructure as a strategic hub in the Middle East to the rest of the world," said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways.

Elena Sorlini, managing director and interim CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, noted that the collective proposition of the partners to facilitate trade in and out of the UAE will further support the commercial development of the emirate as a global food centre.

"We are delighted to be a part of this MoU along with Etihad Cargo and Abu Dhabi Food Hub. The launch of the Fresh Corridor 2.0 will encourage 2-way food trade between the UAE and the rest of the world, bringing food products into the UAE but also taking our “Made in the UAE” products to the world in a bold step towards diversification and growth of imports and exports," Sorlini said.

Suresh Vaidhyanathan, chief executive officer, Abu Dhabi Food Hub, said this agreement is a testimony of our commitment to develop and operate the food hub as one of the finest food wholesale markets globally.

"This collaboration will indeed enhance our multi-modal capabilities as we seek to position the UAE as a leader in the regional food value chain.  We are excited to support the global food players in accessing the regional consumer markets with integrated supply chain solutions and incorporating the most recent technologies and further be a key enabler in food trade diversification and UAE’s Food Security Agenda," he said.

This partnership aims to set new standards in commercial and operational excellence within the global food trade. It seeks to offer solutions that meet the demands of the industry and result in the effective management of the global supply chain and logistics.