RIYADH — Almarai became the first brand in the world to obtain a Pandemic Prepared Certification from AIB International; due to its excellence in applying best practices for food safety in times of epidemics. The certification confirms Almarai’s readiness and ability to adhere to industry-recognized best practices for supporting food safety and quality, employee health, the supply chain as well as consumers. The AIB International is a leading organization providing inspection, consulting, certification, and training in food safety and quality, in addition to inspiring the highest safety standards for various companies around the world. “At Almarai, as one of the most trusted food brands in Middle East, food safety and security is in the heart of everything we do to insure providing the best possible products every day to millions of consumers who trust our brand,” said Abdullah Al-Otaibi, head of corporate communications and public relations at Almarai. “This certification allows Almarai to show both customers and consumers our reinforced commitment to providing world class food and beverage products, even under the most challenging circumstances,” Al-Otaibi added. “Almarai is such a leading and influential brand, so for them to be the first to become certified as pandemic prepared speaks to both the quality of the standard and Almarai’s ongoing commitment to their consumers, employees and customers,” said Steve Robert, global vice-president, sales/marketing and product innovation, AIB International. “Leading brands like Almarai understand the value of implementing and upholding industry-recognized best practices for supporting food safety and quality, employee health and business continuity,” he added. Almarai is the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company, and the Middle East’s largest food and beverages manufacturer and distributer with more than 42 million consumers in the Arab Gulf region in addition to Egypt and Jordan. — SG