IFTEKHAR AHMED & CO

Pakistan’s leading supplier of fresh fruits, vegetables , Purée and clarified concentrates to international food and beverage brands.

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

*Chinese Research Center, Pakistani Food Processor Sign MoU to Develop Industrial Tomato Varieties in Pakistan*

The Beijing Jingwa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center (Jingwa Center) and Pakistan's Iftekhar Ahmed Food & Beverages Pvt. Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and introduce high-quality tomato varieties tailored for industrial processing in Pakistan.

The agreement was signed during the Pakistan-China Information Technology, Telecom, Battery Energy Storage System, and Agriculture B2B Investment Conference held in Hangzhou as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China.

The MoU was signed by Waheed Ahmed, Director Marketing of Iftekhar Ahmed Food & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., and Zhao Guodong, Director Business Development of the Jingwa Center.

Under the agreement, the Chinese research institution will provide new tomato varieties specifically selected for industrial use, featuring high Brix levels, strong solids content, and superior pulp yield, making them suitable for the production of high-quality tomato paste and puree.

The collaboration will begin with a research and development phase in Sindh, where six to seven candidate tomato varieties will undergo comprehensive field and greenhouse trials. Chinese and Pakistani experts will jointly evaluate the varieties for adaptability to local climatic conditions, soil characteristics, cultivation practices, and disease pressures.

In addition to supplying seed varieties, the Jingwa Center will transfer advanced agricultural technologies, modern cultivation techniques, and technical expertise aimed at improving tomato productivity and quality. The partnership also seeks to promote year-round tomato production through controlled environment agriculture, helping ensure stable yields and consistent quality.

Following successful trials and adaptation, the most suitable varieties will be introduced for commercial cultivation and industrial processing in Pakistan, with continued technical support from the Chinese side.

Commenting on the agreement, Waheed Ahmed, Director Marketing of Iftekhar Ahmed Food & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., said the collaboration with the Chinese research institution would play an important role in promoting research and development in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

He said the development and local cultivation of suitable industrial tomato varieties would help save foreign exchange currently spent on importing tomato paste, which amounts to approximately $1 million annually. In addition, the initiative is expected to boost Pakistan’s exports of value-added agricultural products.

Waheed Ahmed further stated that the partnership could attract investments of up to $7 million in the local production of industrial tomato varieties. He added that the final selected seed variety would be registered in Pakistan and made available to farmers on a large scale, paving the way for wider adoption and significantly increasing tomato production in the country.

Representatives of both organizations described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and China and modernizing Pakistan’s tomato value chain.

The partnership is expected to support Pakistan’s import substitution efforts, reduce dependence on imported tomato paste, enhance local processing capacity, and contribute to food security through the development of a sustainable and climate-resilient tomato production system in Sindh.

Iftekhar Ahmed Food & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., operating under the 60-year legacy of Iftekhar Ahmed & Co. (IAC), is among Pakistan’s leading fruit and vegetable processing and export companies. The company exports products to more than 30 countries and operates Pakistan’s largest aseptic processing facility for fruit pulps, concentrates, and tomato paste, along with a 35,000-metric-ton cold storage network in Karachi and Sargodha.

[IFTEKHAR AHMED & CO @iacfruit]

Our Director Marketing on Mango Exports

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

_Middle East Crisis Casts Shadow Over Pakistan’s Mango Exports; Export Target Slashed by 30,000 Tons_

KARACHI: Pakistan’s mango export season is set to begin on June 1 under mounting pressure from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, soaring freight costs, climate-related challenges and declining fruit yields, prompting exporters to cut this year’s export target by nearly 30 percent.

The first shipment of Pakistani mangoes is scheduled to leave for international markets today, but industry stakeholders fear one of the most difficult export seasons in recent years.

According to Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), exporters are grappling with unprecedented logistical and financial hurdles as regional instability disrupts access to key Gulf markets, the largest destination for Pakistani mangoes.

“In view of the extraordinary challenges facing the trade, the export target has been reduced to 80,000 tons from last year’s 110,000 tons,” Ahmed said.

The decline is expected to significantly impact export earnings. Pakistan generated around $110 million from mango exports last season, but revenues this year are projected to fall to between $75 million and $80 million.

The Gulf region, which absorbs nearly 35 percent of Pakistan’s mango exports, is expected to be among the hardest-hit markets due to the fallout from escalating tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East. The crisis has triggered a dramatic surge in transportation costs, squeezing exporters already struggling with higher production expenses.

Sea freight charges to Gulf destinations have jumped from $1,200-$1,400 per container last season to as much as $6,000-$7,000 this year. Air freight rates have also more than doubled, climbing from 70-90 cents per kilogram to nearly $2 per kilogram.

The burden is further compounded by rising domestic fuel prices, which have increased transportation costs from orchards to packing facilities and ports.

Ahmed noted that a relatively stronger Pakistani rupee has created an additional challenge for exporters. While operating costs continue to rise, export returns in local currency terms have declined, putting further pressure on profitability.

Despite the difficult environment, PFVA remains determined to protect Pakistan’s presence in both traditional and emerging export markets.

The association also expressed concern over the closure of trade routes through Afghanistan, warning that exports to Afghanistan and Central Asian states could suffer. However, Ahmed said exports to Iran may increase if both countries improve coordination on quarantine procedures and harmonize regulatory requirements.

He praised the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of National Food Security for resisting pressure from vested interests seeking an earlier export season. By maintaining the June 1 start date, the government has ensured that Pakistani mangoes will reach international buyers fully matured, preserving the fruit’s renowned taste, aroma and quality.

Beyond trade-related challenges, Ahmed highlighted deeper structural issues facing the mango industry. Climate change, erratic weather patterns and the weak disease resistance of existing orchards have steadily eroded production over the past five years.

This year’s mango crop is expected to be around 20 percent lower than the country’s average annual production of 1.9 million tons, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Calling for urgent action, Ahmed urged the government to invest in research and development, improve orchard management practices, and support quality enhancement initiatives. He stressed that Pakistan has the potential to substantially increase mango exports if fruit quality is upgraded and growers receive better technical guidance.1/2

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

As we celebrate. let us also appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Farmers and Growers who contribute to Pakistan's thriving Agriculture and Horticulture sector. Wishing everyone in the Fruit and Vegetable Industry, and beyond, Eld Mubarak'

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

From Pakistan to the world, IAC is proudly showcasing its growing portfolio at the prestigious SIAL Shanghai from 18 to 20 May 2026.

At the event, IAC Marketing Director Waheed Ahmed shares the excitement of connecting with international buyers, partners, and visitors while presenting our expanding range of beverages and food products, including Fruit Nation, LUSH, and SipFun.

With innovation, quality, and global ambition at the heart of everything we do, SIAL Shanghai marks another important step in taking Pakistani brands to international markets. Here’s to new opportunities, stronger partnerships, and proudly representing Pakistan on the global stage.

#IAC #IftekharAhmedAndCo #SIALShanghai #SIALChina #FoodExhibition #GlobalMarkets #ExportExcellence #FruitNation #LUSH #SipFun #MadeInPakistan #BeverageIndustry #FoodIndustry #InternationalBusiness #china

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

Day 2 at SIAL Shanghai—where premium brands meet global opportunities. Proudly showcasing Fruit Nation & LUSH.
#SIALShanghai #PremiumBrands #GlobalTrade #FruitNation #LUSH

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

From Food Bangladesh International Expo 2026 in Dhaka to the world 🌍

IAC continues to grow its global footprint—now exporting to 30+ countries, with Fruit Nation and LUSH expanding rapidly across 17 markets (and counting).

Next stop: SIAL Shanghai 2026 🇨🇳
18–21 May | Hall E2, Stand C005-1

See you there!

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

IAC stall in Dhaka, ready to welcome you as Food Bangladesh International Expo 2026 kicks off tomorrow.

From premium export solutions to our trusted consumer brands, you’ll discover quality, taste, and excellence across every category. Visit us at Hall No. 1, Stand A-51B, Pakistan Pavilion, from 07–09 May 2026 at International Expo City, Bashundhara, and explore what makes IAC a global name you can भरोसा on.

We look forward to meeting you there.

#IAC #dhaka #FoodBangladeshExpo #foodandbeverages #bashundhara #bangladesh

[IFTEKHAR AHMED & CO @iacfruit]

Our Director marketing arrived Dhaka , Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

I am traveling to Dhaka, Bangladesh, to attend the Food Bangladesh International Expo, taking place from May 7th to 9th. InshaAllah, I look forward to achieving positive results from this visit and making the exhibition a successful and productive experience.

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

Pakistan’s mango exports will commence from June 1 2026 , and the notification has already been issued by the Ministry of Commerce Pakistan

[IFTEKHAR AHMED & CO @iacfruit]

From local roots to global shelves — we’re bringing bold flavors to SIAL China 🇨🇳✨

From Fruit Nation juices to LUSH & SipFun drinks, plus everyday essentials — its taste without borders.
📍 SNIEC | Hall E2,C005
📅 18–20 May

Let’s connect & grow. #GlobalFlavours #FoodInnovation

[IFTEKHAR AHMED & CO @iacfruit]

https://t.co/mlgcmJYfN1

[IFTEKHAR AHMED & CO @iacfruit]

LUSH Purified Drinking Water. Always within reach. Always refreshing. 💧

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

We’re proud to be building connections, starting collaborations, and representing Pakistan’s strength on the global food stage.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by — your support and energy mean everything.
Let’s continue the momentum!

📍 Hall 6 | Stand F16–18
#IAC #FruitNation #Lush #SipFun #FoodAG2025

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

Day 1 = Power, Partners & Pakistan 🇵🇰🔥
Connections made. Collaborations started. And proud to showcase Pakistan’s growing strength on the global food map.

Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by! The energy has been unreal ⚡
Let’s keep it going!

📍 Hall 6 | Stand F16–18
#IAC #FruitNation #Lush #SipFun #FoodAG2025

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

We’re proud to announce our participation in the FoodAg International Exhibition 2025 at the Expo Centre Karachi from 25th to 27th November 2025.

At our stand, we will be showcasing our complete product portfolio — fresh fruits and vegetables, TetraPak juices, nectars and drinks, along with our premium sauces, pickles, pulps, purees, pastes and concentrates for both local industry and international markets.

This platform brings together international investors, trade delegations, and businesses from across the globe, and we look forward to connecting with industry leaders and exploring new collaborations.

✨ Featuring our brands: Fruit Nation, LUSH & SipFun
📍 Stall F-16, Hall 06 – Expo Centre Karachi
📅 25–27 November 2025

Join us and explore the best of IAC at FoodAg Karachi.

#IAC #IftekharAhmedandCo #FoodAg2025 #FruitNation #LUSH #SipFun #PakistanExports #BeverageIndustry #FoodIndustry #MadeInPakistan
#foodag2025

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

🔗 A fantastic experience at #GulfoodManufacturing 2025 in Dubai!

Proud to showcase Pakistan’s finest products and innovations with IAC, representing our nation on one of the world’s largest food manufacturing stages. 🌍🇵🇰

Grateful to meet partners, investors & industry leaders from around the world.

#IAC #IftekharAhmedandCo #MadeInPakistan #Dubai #FoodInnovation #ExportExcellence

[Waheed Ahmed @waheedAmed]

We’re live at the Gulfood Manufacturing Exhibition 2025, taking place in Dubai from November 4th to 6th, where our Director of Marketing, Mr. Waheed Ahmed, is giving us an exclusive walkthrough of IAC’s stall in the Ingredients section.

Mr. Ahmed showcases IAC’s extensive product range, including fresh fruits and vegetables, pulps, ketchups, chili sauces, pickles, and juices - proudly made and exported by IAC.

From humble beginnings in 1960 to becoming a global exporter to over 25 countries, IAC has consistently grown and expanded its footprint. Highlighting key products such as Mango Chaunsa Pulp, Desi Mango Pulp, Guava Pulp, Tomato Paste and Apple Juice Concentrate, Mr. Ahmed emphasizes how IAC has contributed to Pakistan’s economic transformation.

He notes that products once imported into the country are now being manufactured and exported worldwide through IAC’s modern facilities — a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Taking us through IAC’s popular beverage brands, Fruit Nation and LUSH, he points out that these drinks are free from preservatives and artificial additives, ensuring natural goodness in every sip.

Mr. Ahmed concludes by inviting everyone to visit the IAC stall and experience the refreshing variety of flavors that Fruit Nation and LUSH have to offer.

#iftekharahmedandco #fruitpulps #juices #sauces #dubai #gulfoodmanufacturing #export #ingrdients #MadeInPakistan #fruitnation #lush #sipfun