Patrick Marco

The Organic Meat Company Limited (PSX:TOMCL) has reached a significant milestone in its regional expansion by securing approval for direct exports to Carrefour Qatar, marking the company’s second approved destination within the GCC after Carrefour UAE. This approval follows TOMCL’s successful compliance with Carrefour’s standards for systems, food safety, hygiene, and operational controls, the company's filing on PSX revealed today. The development strengthens TOMCL’s presence in high-value GCC retail markets and reinforces its reputation as a trusted halal meat supplier in the region.

1

Coffee COT 12/29/2025: Risk of Spec Reactionary Buying Both markets subject to reactionary spec buying in the short-term, following consecutive weeks of selling. #Arabica Large-scale spec selling discouraged for now, as 340c support holds effective. Conversely, if prices continue to decline, Arabica will be increasingly vulnerable to bearish risk via liquidation of the embedded longs that fueled the Aug–Sep rally. The latest COT report covers Dec 10-16th, at which specs sold 3.7k lots (2.5k long liquidation, 1.2k shorts). From Nov-Dec, specs have been selling (~19k lots total), which is consistent with the price decline. Commercials bought 4.2k (-3.7k shorts, 0.5k longs). #Robusta Reactionary spec buying incentive is building after major selling over the last few weeks. Downside price risk reducing, as near-term long liquidation risk is fading as prices recover. From Dec 17-23rd, specs sold 4.5k lots, via 5.8k shorts partially offset by 1.3k longs. Commercials bought 4.3k, via shorts closing hedges (-4.3k).

10

Lipton sells Turkish tea production unit to Ozgur Cay (Scoop confirmed 🎉) 📣 CVC backed LIPTON Teas and Infusions sold its Turkey-based tea production unit to domestic peer ÖzGür Çay Sanayi A.Ş, as per a Turkish Competition Authority announcement. here 👉https://lnkd.in/dUBfyUBk 📌 I had published an article (screen shot👇) about the sale process late last month. CVC Capital acquired Lipton (former ekaterra) in 2021 for a consideration of EUR 4.5bn from Unilever. It sold its tea plantations and production facilities in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania to Browns Investments in May 2024. 👉 Lipton had three tea processing factories in Turkey before the sale, and still has packaging company in Sakarya province. Lipton has the second biggest market share in tea in Turkey after the state-owned ÇAYKUR Çay İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü, which is awaiting privatisation.

39

Reuters - Egypt's state grains buyer Mostakbal Misr agreed in April to buy around 180,000 metric tons of French #wheat from two top European traders, trading sources said. The deal coincided with a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Egypt in April. #oatt #sizovreport

22

6 Comments

Charbel Roukoz elected Vice President of the Syndicate of Traders and Importers of Alcoholic Beverages in Lebanon. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor, the General Assembly of the Syndicate of Alcoholic Beverage Traders and Importers in Lebanon convened recently. The outgoing executive committee presented a comprehensive report highlighting the major achievements accomplished during its mandate. Legal advisor Roland Hardan provided a clarification regarding membership eligibility, emphasizing that syndicate members must be both traders and importers. This proposal was unanimously approved by the assembly and referred to the new executive committee for implementation. I am honored to share that I have been elected Vice President of the Syndicate. As we step into this new chapter, our strategic focus is built on three key priorities: 🔹 1. Protecting the interests of legitimate traders and importers & combating illegal practices. We are committed to firmly addressing smuggling, which undermines fair competition and depletes public revenues. In partnership with official authorities, we will work to regulate the market and confront any harmful practices that threaten its stability. 🔹 2. Constructive collaboration with the Lebanese state. We consider ourselves partners in safeguarding the national economy. Our aim is to maintain open channels of coordination with relevant ministries, particularly on matters related to customs oversight, import conditions, and any new tax or fee proposals. We firmly oppose any measures that burden both citizens and merchants, weaken the economic cycle, or create space for chaos, smuggling, and counterfeiting. 🔹 3. Enhancing the Syndicate’s role, expanding representation, and modernizing its framework. Our goal is to include all legitimate alcohol importers under the Syndicate’s umbrella and ensure that all imports are subject to its oversight to guarantee transparency, quality control, and market regulation. To that end, we will launch a comprehensive reform plan to update sector-related laws and regulations in line with international—especially European—standards. This will allow for greater openness, competitiveness, and help preserve the image of the Lebanese product. We will also evaluate the impact of existing legislation and recommend corrections when necessary, in coordination with relevant authorities. In addition, we will strengthen ties with the Syndicate of Alcohol Producers in Lebanon to address irregularities in unregulated factories and ensure that health and commercial standards are respected throughout all stages of production and distribution. Dear colleagues and partners, This Syndicate will be a guardian of the sector, a supporter of everyone working with integrity, and a strong and influential voice at the decision-making table. — Charbel Roukoz Vice President – Syndicate of Traders and Importers of Alcoholic Beverages in Lebanon.

5

1 Comment

What does it take to turn a city into a global trade powerhouse?   On the latest episode of my podcast Money Majlis with Suvo Sarkar, coming on Friday, I sit down with Ahmed bin Sulayem, the visionary Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, to unpack Dubai’s extraordinary rise.   From gold and diamonds to coffee, AI, and blockchain, Ahmed shares the bold decisions, setbacks, and innovations that have shaped DMCC’s journey from 28 companies to 26,000. We dive into the future of ethical trading, the impact of technology on global commerce, and the leadership lessons that drive sustainable growth.   Whether you’re interested in commodities, technology, or the future of global business, this episode offers a masterclass in visionary leadership and the art of building ecosystems that endure. Tune in to Money Majlis on Friday 24 October and discover why Dubai’s story is just beginning.   Ahmed Bin Sulayem Money Majlis with Suvo Sarkar

77

3 Comments

Turmeric Exports Slightly Impacted Amid Middle East Tensions Turmeric trading activity remains subdued due to prevailing weak market sentiment, even as fresh arrivals gain momentum. Approximately 60% of the new crop has reached markets, though reports indicate mixed quality in some regions. Export demand has been marginally affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, while shipments to Bangladesh continue at a steady pace, offering some support to the market.

11

1 Comment

JAFZA — The Next Global Hub for Food Trade 🍴🚢 Food traders across the region are turning their focus to Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) — and it’s easy to understand why. With strategic access to over 3.5 billion consumers, world-class logistics, and cutting-edge warehousing and cold storage, JAFZA is built for the food industry. But what’s really driving the shift? ✅ Ease of operations – simplified import/export and customs processes. ✅ Tax efficiency – corporate tax benefits and flexible VAT treatment within the free zone. ✅ Unmatched connectivity – direct links between sea, air, and land routes. ✅ Business-friendly environment – supportive regulations, quick licensing, and top-tier infrastructure. Many leading food importers and distributors — including As Impex and Bombay Foodstuff — are already leveraging JAFZA’s ecosystem to scale faster and serve markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. For food businesses planning their next move, JAFZA isn’t just a location — it’s the future of global food trade. #JAFZA #FoodTrade #Dubai #FoodIndustry #AsImpex #BombayFoodstuff #UAE #FreeZone #GlobalBusiness #CorporateTax #VAT #Logistics Jafza

4

1 Comment

Great news for Oman! Moody’s has upgraded the Sultanate’s credit rating to investment grade — a strong endorsement of the country’s fiscal discipline, reform efforts, and economic resilience. A promising sign for investors and a proud moment for the region! 🇴🇲 #Oman #Moody’s #InvestmentGrade #EconomicGrowth #FiscalReform #MiddleEastFinance

104

1 Comment

It is all about the ecosystem! Today’s local press points to a renewal of the 2019 Bloomberg media mandate to promote Kuwait’s FDI story. There’s no doubt the campaign is reaching its target market—but conversion remains dismal: Kuwait’s FDI inflows were just $2.1 billion in 2023 (1.3% of GDP), a fraction of regional peers. Here’s why the ecosystem still repels investors: 1- Restrictive ownership laws (business & property) 2- Restrictive residency laws 3- Cumbersome bureaucracy and red tape 4- Limited free zone infrastructure and incentives 5- Slow and unpredictable policy-making (policy instability despite political stability) 6- Limited lifestyle offers, and expat integration 7- Competitive cost of living, but inadequate infrastructure—especially in transport and quality residential options—limits investor and talent appeal KDIPA deserves real credit for its heroics in such a repellent environment! Reform isn’t just about launching projects—it’s about building an attractive ecosystem that truly boosts the economy and opens real opportunities for Kuwait’s youth.

15

Binghatti Holding’s Landmark USD 500 Million Sukuk Now Trading on the London Stock Exchange. Binghatti Holding has successfully issued a USD 500 million Sukuk, which is now trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). a significant milestone for the group and Islamic finance. This issuance not only reflects the growing confidence of global investors in Binghatti’s vision but also highlights the continued strength of Dubai-based corporates in tapping international capital markets. Such listings further deepen the bridge between the Middle East and global financial hubs, showcasing the role of Sukuk in sustainable and inclusive financing. #Binghatti #Sukuk #IslamicFinance #CapitalMarkets #LondonStockExchange #Dubai #Investment #GlobalFinance

1

Babak Emamian interview AlQahera QNews 6 Nov 2025 As President Trump says, "Central Banks “flip a coin” on interest rates and they always act too late." Contradiction in terms 1) On 6 Nov 2025, Bank of England announced that inflation has “peaked” and that the rate of decline would be faster than previously expected. 2) Yet, at the same time, Bank of England decided to hold interest rates at 4% rather than cut them. 3) These positions are incompatible and directly contradict each other. British Economy in 2025 1) British economy is around £1 trillion (£1,000 billion) smaller than where it should be. 2) Neither the Government nor the Bank of England has a credible plan to accelerate growth. More Government Is the Problem 1) Bank of England has been wrong on most of its economic predictions over the past 20 years. 2) Over the last 15 years, two additional layers of government oversight have been added to the financial system: • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) • Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) 3) These extra layers have weakened economic stability and slowed growth. 4) Excessive statistics, bureaucracy, and regulation have diluted accountability and delayed decision-making. Two Key Indicators Reveal the Health of the Economy 1) House transactions - 1.1m in 2024 down from 1.76m in 2007 2) New car registrations - 1.96m in 2024 down from 2.4m in 2007 3) A house is the most expensive purchase most individuals make; the second is a car. 4) The next most expensive major expense is typically a wedding, and the number of weddings per year is another useful economic indicator. 5) Most other household purchases are below £1,000. 6) The decline in house sales and new car registrations comes despite population growth from 61m in 2007 to 69m in 2024. https://lnkd.in/ek4jUbwv #JCPOA #nuclearweapons #biba #trump #Biden #iran #eu #usa #China #uk #oil #saudiarabia #uae #Israel #war #sanctions #Afghanistan #Russia #ukraine #mahsaamini

12

🌱 Upcoming Imports to the UAE Market 🇦🇪 Erica & Isabella is pleased to announce that we will soon be importing premium agricultural commodities into the UAE, including: ✔️ Chia Seeds ✔️ Soya Beans ✔️ Sesame Seeds Our goal is to establish reliable supply chains, maintain high quality standards, and meet the growing demand across the UAE and Middle East markets. 📩 We welcome connections with suppliers, distributors, and buyers interested in collaboration. #EricaAndIsabella #UAE #Agriculture #AgriBusiness #Seeds #ChiaSeeds #SoyaBeans #SesameSeeds #FoodImport #FoodTrading #MiddleEast #SupplyChain #ImportExport

2

10 Comments

Gm crypto fam! 🚀 While many are still HODLing and waiting for mass adoption, Bazaars is showing what it actually looks like today, real people buying gold bars and electronics with crypto on a fully live decentralized P2P marketplace. Our newly appointed CEO, Raja Al-Khatib, is leading the charge to make cryptocommerce the future of global trade: accessible, transparent, and powered by blockchain + AI. Her vision? Turn Bazaars into the first place anyone thinks of for using crypto to buy real goods. Check out this eye-opening article on adoption in action: 👇 https://lnkd.in/esfcmSUR #Bazaars #CryptoAdoption #Web3 #BZR

1

Working in emerging markets like the UAE offers early exposure to large deals. Watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/d2vBzR4B Follow us: https://lnkd.in/dCwQujPQ #EmergingMarkets #UAE #SyndicatedFinance

9