KUWAIT: The Kuwait Aviation Services Company (KASCO), a major provider of airline and non-flight catering services, is set to begin sourcing products directly from local farmers, officials said Wednesday. Acting CEO Abdulrahman Al-Kandari said Wednesday that the company plans to establish a supply mechanism that meets health standards and ensures smooth delivery. “This cooperation will commence as soon as possible, following the directives of KASCO’s Board Chairman, Dr Abdulaziz Al-Shebeeb and board members,” he told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after a meeting with the Kuwait Farmers Federation.
Founded in 1981 to provide flight catering and ground services for Kuwait Airways, KASCO has grown into a full-service operator. Today, it manages airport restaurants and cafeterias, oversees first- and business-class lounges and VVIP services and the airport transit hotel’s food operations, in addition to corporate and government catering. This broad reach gives local farmers a high-profile partner for supplying domestic produce across multiple sectors.
The partnership comes amid broader efforts to reform Kuwait’s agricultural sector. Two weeks ago, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah visited farms in Al-Abdali agricultural region to monitor food security and hear directly from local producers. The tour highlighted challenges in the sector, including corruption and administrative violations in farmers’ markets.
Recent inspections revealed alleged bribery and manipulation of auctions, prompting directives for farmers to sell directly to consumers and for illegal intermediaries to be removed. Farmers have welcomed these measures, calling them a “glimmer of hope” after years of monopoly and price distortion. Al-Kandari said KASCO’s collaboration with the Farmers Federation reflects the company’s confidence in the quality of Kuwaiti produce and its ability to meet national business standards. “Our goal is to build long-term strategic partnerships with local suppliers that serve the public interest and support the national economy,” he added.
Ahmed Al-Adwani is head of the temporary committee assigned by the government to manage the affairs of the Farmers Federation. He said the federation will provide the products KASCO requires daily and ensure farm owners can meet the company’s quantity and quality needs. “We appreciate KASCO’s initiative and engagement to support Kuwaiti agriculture,” he said. The meeting at KASCO’s headquarters included Farmers Federation board members Obeid Al-Nafishan and Ahmed Al-Shabbak, along with company officials. — Agencies
