Mulitinational Sharp begins tests for growing strawberries in Dubai

Japanese manufacturer Sharp is well known for producing TVs, smartphones, printers, and a whole range of electronic components. But the company said Friday it has launched tests to grow Japanese strawberries at a plant-growing factory in Dubai, with the aim of localizing production of the popular fruit in the Middle East. Following the tests, the Japanese electronics maker plans to launch the business with local firms in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Strawberries are popular in the Middle East, but it is difficult to keep their freshness during transport as they are perishable and spoil easily.

Sharp is collecting data at the plant factory where the inside environment is appropriately controlled using the company's technologies and products such as light-emitting diode lights, air conditioners, and equipments to monitor temperature and humidity.

The Osaka-based company invested roughly $100,000, or 9.9 million yen, to build the laboratory test facility on the premises of its local sales subsidiary in Dubai, where up to 3,000 strawberries can be produced per month.

Source: hispanicbusiness.com