FROM LEFT: Yosif Khaled Al Khulaifi, Ahmad Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, CEO, Sheikh Nayef bin Eid Al Thani, Chairman, Ahmed Aziz Al Shammari, Abdulrahman Hamad Sraiya Al Kaabi and Falah Hydar Sulaiman Hydar during the General Meeting of Qatar Company for Meat & Livestock Trading QSC (Mawashi) at the Diplomatic Club Doha, yesterday. Kammutty VP
BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB
DOHA: Qatar Company for Meat & Livestock Trading QSC (Mawashi) has been rebranded as Widam, announced Sheikh Nayef bin Eid Al Thani, Chairman of the company, at its extraordinary general meeting yesterday.
Widam is an Arabic word finding its roots in the Qatari culture and culinary heritage.
Shareholders and members of the board agreed to change the name.
Ahmed Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, Mangaing Director and CEO of Widam, said on the sidelines: “Widam can be explained as anything made up of fish, poultry or meat that you put on a plate of rice to eat together. The name comes from the Qatari traditional culture.”
The shareholders also approved an amendment to No. 30 of the company’s article. “After the changes, now a member can remain in office for three terms (each of three years) for up to nine years,” added Al Kaabi.
Asked if there was any specific reason for extending the term from six to nine years, he said: “It will be beneficial for the company as it will get looked after by more experienced people.” Al Kaabi did not provid details on financial results of the company and hinted that “it has performed well”. According to sources, Widam is expected to announce 2012 results next month.
On the company’s plans for poultry business, he said: “We are waiting for approval from authorities. Qatar produces only 12 percent of the consumption of poultry products. Once we get authorisation, Widam will meet over 18 percent of the current demand, taking the domestic supply to over 30 percent.”
The rebranding accentuates the company’s strategy and vision to expand its business and tap into new industries and markets to serve the country’s long-term food security objectives.
Al Kaabi said: “The rebranding of Mawashi is the outcome of a series of internal discussions we carried over the past few months based on our belief that it is now the right time to further expand our horizons but embracing a name that has international appeal while remaining true to our Qatari identity and origin. Apart from livestock, red meat and poultry products, in future Widam intends to supply seafood also.
The Peninsula
