Thai Union Food Group's (TUF's) move into the Middle Eastern market was widely welcomed by analysts, who told IntraFish it was a logical step if the group wants to keep expanding its global foothold further -- particularly given the well-publicized challenges it faces on the US market.

On Tuesday, the Thai processing giant announced it entered a joint venture with Middle Eastern consumer goods manufacturer Savola Foods Company.

While TUF will take responsibility of the sourcing, processing and R&D, Savola will act as a distributor for the products, which will include all seafood products, including ambient, frozen, chilled seafood, as well as ready-to-eat meals.

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