Grocery owners and operators in Abu Dhabi will not be forced to close down if they implement the new requirements and standards for the retail and grocery sector, said a top official of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA).

“The groceries are a vital part of the Abu Dhabi community,” said Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communications and Community Service at ADFCA, during a two-day event held to highlight the new requirements and standards and its short and long term benefits.

“The new requirements and standards are preliminary and all grocery owners and operators. They will be notified with the final requirements and a notification period for the completion of those requirements by the end of 2011,” Al Reyaysa said to more than 900 grocery owners and operators who attended the event.

“All grocery owners and operators are asked not to take any direct action until all requirements and standards are finalized. Many major food suppliers had shown their willingness to provide support,” he added.

The cost of implementation is highly dependent on the existing situation of the store; therefore, each case is dealt with separately, Al Reyaysa said.

At the end of the day the main aim is to provide high service standards for customers in a highly competitive market. This initiative will show improvements and application of the best practices in the daily activities and services provided to customers.

If all grocery owners and operators co-operate with ADFCA to implement these new requirements and standards, an increase in competition, operational productivity, revenue and profitability will be the result of this initiative in the long run. – TradeArabia News Service