Centenarian Aujan Industries Co, the largest privately held and independent beverage and confectionery company in the Middle East, is constructing a $40 million production plant at the Dubai Investment Park to supplement a technically advanced and efficient Dammam facility in Saudi Arabia.
“Aujan Industries, having successfully reinvented itself over the last 100 years to build a sustainable, high-growth business, is celebrating its centenary while embarking on the next stage of the company journey towards accelerated growth and building powerhouse brands for the region’s youth,” said Alex J. Andarakis, chief executive officer.
Aujan has a uniquely long regional history as a soft drink and confectionery manufacturer, marketer and distributor. The company has established associations with leading international brands including Cadbury, Wrigleys and Pepsi Lipton International as well as its own strong portfolio of beverage brands.
Established in 1905, Aujan introduced Vimto to the Middle East in 1928. Today Vimto continues to dominate the dilute drinks sector with a 90 per cent market share and peak sales during Ramadan reaching 12 million bottles.
Aujan’s Rani product range leads the fruit juice category and includes the unique Rani ‘float’ concept - incorporating real fruit solids.
Aujan pioneered advanced packaging in the Middle East with Hani, introducing the concept of sports cap technology. And, with Barbican, Aujan created the non-alcoholic beer segment that it still dominates with a 40 per cent share of a growing market.
As well as its facilities in Saudi Arabia and soon in Dubai, Aujan’s wholly-owned direct distribution and sales infrastructure includes 300 ambient and chilled distribution vehicles calling on more than 27,000 outlets a week covering all supermarkets in the Gulf Co-operation Council countries.
Aujan, with over 1,000 employees and a turnover of $250 million as well as being one of the top 100 companies in Saudi Arabia, is the platinum sponsor of the 3rd Middle East Food Marketing Forum taking place in Dubai alongside Gulfood 2005.
