The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) is all set to modernise groceries and retail foodstuff outlets in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has urged the outlets to adhere to the new standards and regulations.

ADFCA held a two-day workshop, titled ‘baqala’ (grocery) starting Sunday, at the Abu Dhabi Municipality to dispel misunderstandings and communicate the facts directly to the stake holders.

A large number of grocery owners and retailers thronged the workshop. The new standards and regulations will be implemented by the end of 2011, Mohammed Jalal Al Reyaysa, spokesperson of ADFCA told Khaleej Times.

The new regulations for groceries are to be approved in the coming months and made available on the authority’s website. The regulations would probably touch upon security, space specifications, display racks and space in front of the outlets. The introductory workshop provided attendees an opportunity to gain full understanding of the new standards and regulations and highlighted benefits for consumers and investors alike through descriptive movies and model wallpapers.

Grocery owners interacted with ADFCA officials to clear doubts on rumours of shutting down small foodstuff outlets in the emirate.

Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the event, Al Reyaysa said currently, some 1,300 grocery stores are operating in the residential and commercial areas of Abu Dhabi Island.

According to the ADFCA, residents in the city spent about Dh3.4 billion on food, beverages and other consumer goods in 2010, out of which small groceries accounted for Dh1 billion of the sales. Al Reyaysa stressed that the authority would never force anyone to close down groceries if they implemented the new standards and regulations. In fact, ADFCA wants to reassure that the new standards and regulations will provide grocery owners more opportunities to compete with international retail players. The Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, will be implemented in phases. “First we aim to ensure its implementation in Abu Dhabi Island which houses a large number of groceries and then move to Al Ain and the Western Region,” 
he said.

Model grocery screened

The event also featured a model of the new grocery store, gave the visitors a visual journey to the changes underway and emphasised the urgent need for the planned improvements in the grocery sector. A short movie that illustrated the shop refitting concept and the benefits to the groceries operators was also screened. The 1:20 scale model of the new store has been designed in accordance with the best international standards.

anwar@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE