Key Takeaways
- Olav Scholte identifies Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the strongest markets for horticulture automation, with emerging traction in Oman and Egypt.
- Automation in the region is increasingly driven by quality, consistency, and hygiene—not only labor-cost dynamics.
- TTA-ISO is introducing grafting systems, tomato-harvesting robots, and tissue-culture automation tailored for regional needs.
- Nursery expansion, reforestation initiatives, and local young-plant production are shaping new CEA trends in the Middle East.
- Cold-chain gaps and insufficient training across post-harvest handling create major opportunities for improvement.
Olav Scholte on Market Priorities in the Middle East
During a recent conversation with iGrow News, Olav Scholte, Regional Director Middle East for TTA-ISO, outlined the company’s activities across the Gulf region. He noted that Saudi Arabia has become the company’s most important growth market, supported by early project success and strong interest in automation. The UAE continues to serve as a stable and consistent market.
Scholte also sees emerging opportunities in Oman and Egypt, though he emphasized that Egypt’s low labor costs make automation decisions more complex: “It’s not always that straightforward to invest in automation, but even there we do see some interest.”
Why Automation Matters: Olav Scholte Highlights Quality and Hygiene
Addressing a common perception in the region—that automation is not financially justified—Olav Scholte stressed that the business case extends beyond labor savings.
