Aujan Industries, a major soft drink company in the Middle East, says that it has been recognized by the Thai government for its contribution to the country’s agricultural sector. During a ceremony in Bangkok, Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, presented Abbas Sabir, head of procurement at Aujan Industries, with Thailand’s Best Friends 2012 award for Aujan’s active support of the country’s pineapple producers over the past decade.

Established in 2009 by the Thai Ministry of Commerce, the Thailand’s Best Friends 2012 program recognizes companies that have made a major contribution to Thailand’s export industry. Through its Rani Juice brand, Aujan Industries is a major importer of pineapple juice, cubes, puree and crush from Thailand. As some of the formats were not mainstream, Aujan’s R&D worked alongside Thai suppliers, such as Kuiburi fruit canning Co., Ltd. to commercialize the products.

Abbas Sabir, head of procurement, Aujan Industries, said: “Since launching Rani Pineapple Float in the late 1990s, Aujan Industries’ product has grown hugely in popularity. The country’s climate means we can import pineapples all year round, but we have also found suppliers like Kuiburi Fruit Canning Co. to be our true and most reliable partners, willing to innovate in order to deliver the best possible raw materials needed to make Rani. On behalf of Aujan Industries, I thank the Royal Thai government for bestowing this honor on our company.”