“It’s something that does happen but it’s something we don’t support at all. It’s difficult because when you have smaller companies they just want to come in and sell — they just want to grow and so they’ll do anything to do it. In the long-term they will lose.
I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes — I remember a guy who did something like that and he’s no longer in Dubai. I think [if] more people are caught for doing this...maybe then the market will learn that it’s not acceptable,” said Bahar.
Vishal Tikku, vice president and area director Middle East, Mondel?z International said suppliers and buyers alike had to ensure proper checks and systems were in place.
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“All vendors much be checked. We have a strict compliance for employees as well. We have whistle blower lines, off-the-record hotlines and more. We have the infrastructure in place to make sure it never happens,” said Tikku.
“We would go to the extent of walking out of the country if the country doesn’t support us. We would not work in a country where we could not work without integrity.”
John White, sales manager at Organic Foods & Cafe / Arab Beverages, suggested suppliers could develop fair incentive schemes for buyers.
“We offer incentives to chefs – if a hotel buys a certain amount of product from us we’ll give them something back for their staff party for example, but we’re not into bribing,” said White.
Nabil Najem, division manager, Food Services and Frozen Bakeries, Sunbulah Group, also offers rebate schemes.
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