In Saudi Arabia, the Dussmann Group has signed a consulting contract worth millions for catering to pilgrims. In close cooperation, the Berlin service provider is preparing an extensive feasibility study for Hijaz Catering Co. Ltd. in Jeddah which examines the planning, construction and operation of industrial production of meals for pilgrims to Mecca. Khalil Fatta, President of Hijaz, describes the cooperation, conceived as a long-term partnership with the Dussmann Group, as “an important step on the path towards realizing the dream of high-quality food provision for pilgrims”.

Each year, between seven and eight million Muslims from 138 countries make the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. The number of pilgrims grows each year by four to five percent. These statistics and the unique requirements which apply to catering for followers of the Islamic faith contrast starkly with current conditions: numerous local providers and suboptimal standards of quality and hygiene.

“Together with our partner, Hijaz, we will seek innovative solutions to improve standards and maintain them in the longrun. It is our objective to be able to offer pilgrims healthy meals which are subject to consistent quality checks, which conform to Halal standards and which reflect the variety of tastes of the many pilgrims from all over the world” says Axel Gränitz, the member of the Dussmann executive board responsible for international operations.

 

 

Representatives of Hijaz and the Dussmann Group signed the contract of strategic cooperation during the holy month of Ramadan. “We start with the development of recipes for dishes adhering strictly to Islamic rules and which cater to pilgrims from very different nationalities. The planning of global purchasing processes, the concept for the entire industrial production line based on the Cook&Freeze procedure and the complex logistics for distribution and service of meals will all be examined in detail in the feasibility study” enumerates Christian Lepsien, the Dussmann Managing Director for the Middle East and Asia.. 

The study will form the basis for the subsequent construction and operation of a production line which will produce meals for pilgrims to Mecca. Hijaz and Dussmann assume that building and construction will receive the support of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF).