Q3 2019

22 MEA MARKETS / Q3 2019 , The newly formed company, Green International Ventures LLC (GIVE), will make locally grown fresh produce more widely available around the globe via its proprietary Advanced High-Density Farming System. This will be the first project for the groundbreaking GIVE venture, and it will reduce the Middle East’s dependence on imported food, create a sustainable source of local employment, and significantly increase the region’s non-petroleum-based exports. “As pioneers in the greenhouse industry, we are passionate about increasing access to local, sustainably grown fruits and vegetables,” says Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO, and the fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce. “Our first location in the Middle East will allow us to reach over half the world’s population in less than 8 hours, and this is just the start. Look for more global locations as we continue to scale to meet the growing need for food security, safety, and sustainability.” GIVE will also support the integration of modern AgTech initiatives into the local farming community and expand knowledge of sustainable Mastronardi Produce Ltd. ® , North America’s leading grower and distributor of greenhouse produce, and visionary John Paul DeJoria have selected theMiddle East as the first market in which to develop the world’s largest andmost technologically advanced indoor farming project. Mastronardi, DeJoria Launch GIVE Partnership in Middle East agricultural techniques by establishing a permanent Research and Development facility in the region. “It has long been my passion to help feed the world’s population,” says John Paul DeJoria. “The introduction of this revolutionary model in the Middle East is the first step of many towards increasing global access to sustainably grown fruits and vegetables.” All GIVE projects use innovative Advanced High-Density Farming Systems that incorporate a multitude of cutting-edge growing systems, such as water-saving irrigation and energy-efficient lighting, and they take advantage of advanced automation and robotic devices, AI processes for predictive analysis, and real-time crop and soil monitoring. Produce grown in these innovative AgTech systems will be marketed under the SUNSET ® brand. Known for award- winning flavour, innovation, and packaging, SUNSET’s many exclusive labels include Campar i® , the world’s first branded tomato, and the uniquely colourful Aloha™ pepper. SUNSET of Holland ® will be the first distributor for the GIVE partnership.