Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 30th, 2008: Emirates Foodstuff and Mineral Water Company PJSC (AGTHIA) has signed an agreement with the German based WILD Group to exclusively manufacture and distribute Capri-Sun/Capri-Sonne fruit juice drink in the GCC (except KSA).

Al Ain Mineral Water Company (a subsidiary of AGTHIA) which is the number two drinking water brand in the UAE, with a market share of 23%, will now add Capri-Sun to its portfolio as a stand-alone division.

AGTHIA will commence manufacturing and distribution of Capri-Sun in the first quarter of 2009, joining beverage giants like Coca-Cola and Kraft, who have been manufacturing and distributing Capri-Sun, in UK, France and the USA.

Capri-Sun, the third largest fruit-juice brand globally, is also the world's No.1 'Kids' Juice drink with UAE being one of the highest per capita consumption markets in the world. Capri-Sun is produced in 18 countries and is enjoyed by children in more than 100 countries. Besides being 'all natural' in ingredients, the 'stand-up pouch' made of an extremely thin multilayer foil has become Capri-Sun's trademark, setting it ahead amongst competition as a modern, convenient, fun pack.

AGTHIA CEO, Ilias Assimakopoulos says: "We are extremely excited about this new venture and we believe that Capri-Sun will be a perfect complement to our existing product range. The partnership with WILD & Capri-Sun fits perfectly with our strategy to convert Al Ain Mineral Water operation into a full beverage company. At AGTHIA, we feel it is our responsibility to provide consumers with products which are healthy in the purest sense, and which have built their reputation on quality. Capri-Sun is a well established brand in the UAE with tremendous growth potential not only in the UAE, but in other GCC markets as well."

Commenting further, H.E. Rashed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of the AGTHIA Board said: 'With a great domestic history and eyeing towards regional expansion, we believe Agthia is on the right track. Partnerships with Wild & Capri-Sun will help us climb to the top of the FMCG tree.'

Capri-Sun Area Sales Director, Farhan Siddiqi says: 'Capri-Sun has come a long way since its launch in UAE more than 2 decades ago. A generation has grown up enjoying Capri-Sun as a brand, which is still very dear to them. We believe AGTHIA with its professional management team, very well understands this aspect and what it takes to keep this spirit alive for the next generations to come. We are very confident that a partnership with such a reputable group, as AGTHIA, will help the brand lead the kids juice segment throughout the GCC Region.' 

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About Emirates Foodstuff & Mineral Water Company PJSC (AGTHIA) 
Emirates Foodstuff & Mineral Water Company PJSC (AGTHIA) is a public joint stock company listed in the Abu Dhabi stock market.  AGTHIA's current portfolio consists of Al Ain Mineral Water Company - a leading producer of high-quality bottled  water,  Grand Mills For Flour & Feed Company - a pioneer in manufacturing and production of the highest quality flour and animal feed and Al Ain Vegetable & Tomato Paste Manufacturing Company - a leading producer of quality frozen vegetable and tomato paste.  

For more information, to arrange reader offers/competitions or to interview a representative of AGTHIA, please contact:
Sareem Consultancy
Carlo dei Tedeschi / Sura Manhal
P.O. Box 58008
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3433688
Fax: +971 4 3211988
Email:  carlo@sareem.net / sura@sareem.net

AGTHIA Head Office
Emirates Foodstuff & Mineral Water Co. (Agthia) PJSC
PO Box 37725, 2nd Floor - Al Ghaith Holding Tower, Airport Road
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 445 5221
Fax: +971 2 446 3644
Email: info@agthia.com
www.agthia.com

© Press Release 2008