Agthia To Distribute Monster Energy Drinks In The UAE

Agthia has begun distributing Monster Energy drinks in the UAE in an attempt to further expand its product portfolio and to tap into the growing energy drinks segment in the country,  the Abu Dhabi-based food and beverage group announced today.

The announcement comes a year after the group signed an exclusive distribution rights agreement  with American beverage maker Monster Beverage Corporation – originally established as part of Hansen’s Natural, a family business producing fresh natural juices dating back to the 1930s.

Agthia is offering a number of products through its deal with Monster Energy, which also produces coffees, ready-to-drink iced teas and colas, the statement said.

“Monster Energy offers a variety of excellent products and is a fast growing energy drink and beverages brand across the world,” said Fasahat Beg, executive vice president of Agthia’s Consumer Business division.

“This is one of many steps we are taking to diversify our brand portfolio, and we expect strong uptake for the products.”

Agthia has diversified its consumer business product portfolio in the recent years – with the water and beverage business distributing products such as Al Ain Water, Ice Crystal Water, Capri Sun kid’s juice drink and Alpin, a natural spring bottled water product out of Turkey.

Agthia’s Consumer Business division reported strong first quarter growth with net sales reaching Dhs130.5 million, up three per cent from the corresponding period last year. However, net profit of the division fell 19 per cent, touching Dhs7.6 million.

A temporary marginal sales growth in bottled water owing to capacity constraints, an unfavourable channel mix of bottled water sales, a decline in Capri Sun volumes, and higher overhead costs were cited as reasons for the fall in profits.

Agthia currently employs around 2,000 employees and has assets in countries such as the UAE, Egypt and Turkey.