UAE quail farm gets ready to spread wings

Al Semman Farm, one of two commercial quail farms in the UAE, is doubling its production capacity to meet domestic demand.

It also hopes to compete with the leading Saudi Arabian producers that dominate the GCC market for the small game birds.

"We are expanding our capacity to become a major player in the niche meat and egg market and are drawing up plans to export to the European Union," General Manager James Greig told Emirates Business. "We currently produce 25,000 quail per week and the expansion plan will increase the number to 50,000."

Greig said the company had signed an agreement with British restaurant chain Baker & Spice to supply quail to its outlets in the UK, as the company recently obtained a quality certification that will enable it to export meat to the international market. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Certification is a global hygiene standard for the food industry.

Quail eggs are popular in the region for use in salads, with demand coming principally from Western expatriates. Demand for the meat comes mainly from national customers. Quail grow to full maturity in 45 days and measure 250 grams before slaughter and 180 to 200 gram after slaughter.

Al Semman Farm and its processing plant are located at Al Ain and produce 100 per cent natural, halal, fresh and frozen quail.

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