Oman’s top biscuits and snacks producer National Biscuits Industries Ltd presented strong H1 results indicating it could overtake 2009 performance by a wide margin if it maintained the tempo.

The net profit for the January-June period was RO131,304 ($341,022) and for the whole of last year RO170,000.

The company claims a 60 per cent share in the Omani market. “We’re looking at the possibility of launching value-added products by utilising our equity which is our strength,” said regional manager NSS Subramanian.

“As IFFCO is one of our major shareholders and it holds the Tiffany brand, we foresee many synergies in terms of production, sales and marketing management.”

Nabil is National Biscuits’ flagship brand. “Although we hold a share of 60 per cent in the local market, more than 85 per cent of our sales come from exports to other GCC states, states neighbouring the region and African markets,” said Subramanian, adding that the company would work more closely with distributors with a view to spurring sales in the GCC area.

‘Quality markets’
Shipments also go to the “quality markets” of North America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Africa, said the official.

National Biscuits Industries is certified to ISO 22000: 2005 and has implemented the HACCP system. The company, which has its production facilities in Rusayl, near Muscat city, has won several awards for quality and export performance.

“Being a biscuit manufacturer, we are highly dependent on commodity prices and we’ve noticed that most of the time prices go contrary to our industry’s interests. Looking ahead, there are many challenges in terms of utilising production capacity and achieving targets and profits,” commented Subramanyan.

“Despite various complexities, our sales volumes are growing and we have been making profits year after year. But management expectations are always high.”