FINE to sustain strong exports in 2009 through enhanced Gulf and East African sales
Gulf trade expected to grow by around 25 per cent

Although FINE posted a solid 20 per cent growth in 2008 behind strong sales of its facial tissues and toilet rolls, The launch of the new disposable baby diaper brand FINEE last year has further enhanced sales levels. The introduction of exports to new markets in 2008 and the increase in sales volume in Oman have further driven the international profitability of FINE, a trend that is expected to help the company overcome any obstacles posed by the economic downturn.

While we face challenges in regions such as the Indian subcontinent which are slowly adjusting to current economic realities, we can easily adapt due to our strong presence in other areas. We plan to boost demand from major markets such as the Gulf and East Africa through new launches and fresh marketing campaigns. Overall we expect our production levels to increase from last year's figures, said Peter Janho, Chief Area Officer for the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, FINE.

FINE expects to increase exports to the Gulf by 25 per cent in 2009 to maintain the region?s status as its top trade destination. The company has a 32 per cent share in the KSA?s hygienic paper sector and a 22 per cent hold on the total UAE market. Oman remains its biggest export market in the region, accounting for around 40 per cent of total export sales. The company's portfolio includes facial tissues, toilet paper, baby diapers, wet wipes, refreshing towels, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, kitchen towels and sanitary pads. FINE operates a manufacturing unit at the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities handled by 300 highly-skilled staff.

Editor's Note
About FINE

FINE is the brand name of a wide variety of products produced by FINE Hygienic Paper FZE. The company is a part of the Nuqul Group, and has its headquarters in Jordan. A market leader in the hygienic paper industry in the Middle East, FINE today is synonymous with 'paper tissue'. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality in all aspects of production, FINE introduced the ?Steri Pro? process of sterilizing tissues which guarantees that the tissues are 100 per cent germ-free before they are packed.

The commitment to excellence is manifested in its factories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, highly qualified and experienced staff, and the determination to continually improve on and upgrade production facilities.

The Fine brand name encompasses kitchen towels, toilet rolls, jumbo rolls, adult briefs and wet wipes, in addition to different variants of facial tissue.

Other brands that the company markets, include Lido and Baby Fine diapers, Lady Fine and Cinderella sanitary napkins and Smile (economy facial tissue).

About Nuqul Group

The Jordan-based Nuqul Group is one of the region's leading industrial conglomerates. It brings together 27 regional and global companies, 5,000 employees, and exports its products to over 45 exports markets worldwide.