1960 – 1970

QNIE’s journey started 50 years ago, when Mr. Walid Alkhiyami cofounded “Qatar National Import & Export Co.” in 1964. As business grew, QNIE’s first Cold Storage facility was also established to support the company’s growing warehousing needs.

1970 – 1980

Our Growth journey started by acquiring regional and multi-national brands. QNIE became the exclusive distributor for Sadia chicken from Brazil, Americana from Kuwait, Gulfa water from UAE, Lurpak and Danland from Denmark as well as more trading products from all over the world. 

1980 – 1990

The 80s included new forays into distribution, transportation and yet again increasing the product range as well. In order to keep up with demand QNIE started to grow its infrastructure and build temperature controlled warehouses. QNIE also became exclusive distributor for Regal Picon from France, Aseel & Mumtaz oils from UAE, McCain from Canada, Rafael Salgado from Spain and more trading products from all across the globe.

1990 – 2000

As gas was discovered in Qatar, the economy grew faster and our growth journey continued with growth in the manpower, technology and logistics. We moved from old fashion manual operations to an automated computer system across all company operations. Competition started intensifying in Qatar. With many players entering and exiting the market, QNIE, while growing its product range, proved its mettle by improving focus and structure, and still increasing its share in the market.

2000 – 2005

In 2003
QNIE became the exclusive distributor for GENERAL MILLS in Qatar. With this partnership, the QNIE portfolio increased in strength, and brands like Betty Crocker, Nature Valley and Green Giant were launched into the local market.

In 2004
QNIE also setup a new division for ALSAFI DANONE dairy products.

In 2005
Arla food Qatar was established as a joint venture between ARLA FOODS QATAR and QNIE. ARLA FOODS QATAR started with three major brands which are Lurpak, Three cows and Puck with full logistics and administration support by QNIE.

2006 – 2010

 In 2006
Another big milestone for QNIE, was becoming an official food supplier to the 2006 Asian Games, proving to the world that it was ready to cater to events on a grand scale.

After the Asian Games, food service market size grew way faster than any time before, QNIE started is very dedicated food service division with a very selected gourmet imported meat from US and Australia, Also QNIE started to provide the bakery and chocolate solutions market with strong partners from Belgium and France. All of these factors, combined with our hard work ensured that QNIE’s business doubled between 2006 and 2008.

In 2008
QNIE’s food service division expanded by adding Seafood to our product portfolio. Today we are one of the major seafood suppliers in Qatar, importing from all around the world as well as sourcing locally. Blue marine is one of QNIE’s house brands and today is well recognized for its frozen seafood in HoReCa and retail sectors.

2010 - 2015

In 2010
QNIE started providing Telecommunications products and it became one of the exclusive distributor for VODAFONE QATAR. QNIE also started running SAP which gave us the tools for more growth and capacity.

In 2011
QNIE started distribution partnership with BONCAFE ME, servicing Qatar with latest technology in coffee industry.

In 2013
Keeping in line with the need for healthier products in Qatar, QNIE invested in building one of the largest frozen warehouse in Qatar. Our new frozen warehouse was launched just in time for our 50 th anniversary in 2014.

In 2014
All logistical operation spent out under QLS (QATAR LOGISTICAL SERVICES) serving the group and other selective clients.

QNIE acquired TAZWEED a known whole seller in the whole sale market.

Aside from importing and supplying meats, QNIE entered meat processing, investing in its first meat processing unit under the MY BUTCHER brand name, servicing our current and new clients with freshly processed meat products according to their needs.

ZERO ONE was established for telecommunication and IT products.

AFC (ARABIAN FOOD COMPANY) was established as a sister company to provide all IFFCO brands and products to Qatar market.

2016 onward

In 2016
In Jan BRF (BRAZIL FOODS) agreed to acquire QNIE’s frozen food distribution unit for selected range which included frozen poultry, processed chicken, frozen vegetable and French fries. QLS (QATAR LOGISTICAL SERVICES) are still providing all logistics and warehousing services to BRF.

QNIE started providing Sysco food service solutions.

QNIE became the distributor for Segafredo Zanetti coffee products which is part of MASSIMO ZANETTI BEVERAGE GROUP.

Ahmad Tea London was launched as the first tea brand in our portfolio.

Based on our commitment to provide fresh products and after the successful results in meat processing, FRESH CATCH was established in 2016, as our first Seafood show room and processing unit. Both MY BUTCHER and FRESH CATCH have been launched with the ambition to grow them into full processing units.