Nr. 101 - January 2011 Insight SEKEM‘s Journal for Economy, Culture, and Society in Egypt

Young SEKEM Islam Seminar New Products SEED Meeting at Popular seminar New spreads and Editorial Bahareya Oasis is held again premium dates

Dear Readers, SEED Initiative Strengthens for Sustainability Those who knows SEKEM well are aware that in the past 34 years The SEED Initiative introduces SEKEM’s young generation of co-workers of its existence there have been to issues of sustainability within their own fields of work. major milestones in its develop- ment that are easy to spot. At first and for many years after its launch in 1977 SEKEM remained a very local initiative. This was also true for its radius of impact. However, from the beginning there plenty of contacts with foreign support- ers, many of them German. New professional staff slowly moved to Egypt primarily from Europe.

In 2003 SEKEM won the „Alterna- tive Nobel Prize” and the “Schwab Foundation Award for Outstand- ing Entrepreneurship”. The new awareness, which was associated with SEKEM’s transformation into an international initiative, drew more, especially young people to Cairo. The members of the SEED Initiative and co-workers of SEKEM during their visit to the But it has been only in recent Bahareya Oasis, home to a new farm of the SEKEM Group of companies. years that this interest began to reach a „critical mass”. Today, a n 17 December morning the par- of the sandy grounds for use as arable team of half a dozen young people O ticipants of the SEED Working land suitable to organic farming proce- from European countries works in Group (SEKEM Development Program dures. At the end of 2010 about 150 ha SEKEM, many in business devel- for Entrepreneurship) made their way of soil in Bahareya were already being opment and sustainability. The from the SEKEM farm to the desert cultivated with mint, palm trees, agro- SEED initiative strives to prepare just West of Cairo. Their destination forestry, liquorice, clover, alfalfa, and them and their colleagues for the was a new SEKEM farm located in geranium. developmental challenges that the oasis Wahat el Bahareya approx- lie ahead. We cover SEED’s latest imately 350 km outside of the capi- In the busy environment of the event in this issue. tal, where since mid-2008 about 1000 sprawling desert village the young hectares of desert land are being pre- SEKEM co-workers aimed to get their pared for organic farmed. A major part chance at better understanding the Your Team of Editors of this work involves the reclamation motivation behind and the benefits

SEKEM Insight | January 2011 | Page 1 Economy

of a sustainable use of natural agri- question of what is practically needed Impulses of Renewal cultural resources and its impact on to establish a farm of such a size in an in Islamic Societies their own work environments. Many arid area as the Western Desert. All of of them currently work the field of sus- the participants came to better under- tainability and business development stand what it takes to turn the inhos- Although the three Abrahamic reli- at SEKEM. SEED intends, however, to pitable environment into fertile land gions have the same origin and are introduce young co-workers from all ready for large-scale food production - derived from common written and oral fields of activity to the issue of sus- a challenge only growing in dimension sources of religious devotion a perpet- tainability in daily business practice. in times of climate change. ual peace among them still seems far out of reach. In this year’s iteration of Regular meetings Encounters with nature the popular Islam seminar, which will take place 21-24 April 2011 in SEKEM The group first familiarised them- After having set up the tents for and which will again be facilitated by selves with the state of development spending the night in the desert some Dr. participants will of the new farm and its importance to participants presented issues from have the unique opportunity of bet- SEKEM’s future challenges. Talks with their own fields of work in the form ter understanding the esoteric core of young and experienced members of of short “fireplace presentations”: Islamic teachings and their practical its staff and specially invited experts soil management, compost produc- implications for life and work in Egypt offered additional insights into the tion, biodynamic preparations, agro- and at SEKEM. potential of and opportunities associ- forestry, and global agriculture and its ated with the adoption of biodynamic impact on climate change. Dr. Abouleish founded the SEKEM methods in large-scale agricultural The contributions were not only project in Egypt as a “comprehensive production. The reports were aimed highly instructive for co-workers not development project”. His initiative at highlighting the importance of agri- directly involved in the fields but nev- for sustainable economic, social, and culture for a sustainable and equitable ertheless working towards the same cultural human development in Egypt global food security and the opportu- goals. They also served as a starting and other countries in the Middle East nities it holds for environmental pro- point for lively discussions until late and abroad is regarded as a success- tection and the fight against climate into the night. The natural seclusion ful model for a winning combination change. of the nightly bivouac only served to of respectful treatment of the envi- These issues had already been strengthen the special bond of all par- ronment, high humanitarian and eth- introduced at meetings the previous ticipants with nature - in an intellec- ical standards, and strong economic year. This time the group expressed tual and in an intuitive sense. success. the desire to dedicate an entire week- As a place of cultural and religious end, both practically and theoreti- Trees for the climate encounters SEKEM is an example of cally, to the issue. Since agriculture is sustainable development also in the the basis of SEKEM companies’ daily The next morning the guests social sense. In addition to seminars work, SEED participants looked to together with staff from the farm set with Dr. Abouleish and artistic exer- broaden their knowledge about the out to plant 250 new Casuarina trees cises (Arabic calligraphy, Quran reci- natural foundations of it on SEKEM’s on the new premises as windbreaks tation, Arabic songs, Eurythmics) the own farms. As Magdalena Kloibhofer, for the fragile, newly planted fields upcoming Islam seminar will feature a a participant, said: the SEED meet- of herbs. Casuarina trees are a fast- day trip to the Islamic quarter of Cairo ing successfully „showed the extent growing coniferous tree species well- with multiple visits to selected Islamic of the synergies between the some- suited for breaking the ground as it mosques in the vicinity. times seemingly vastly different types requires little water and nutrients. of work at SEKEM“. Within a short time the trees reared in the nursery of the main SEKEM farm For registration and more informa- tion please contact: SEKEM travel, Hard work and more of it will thus create a strong natural and highly effective barrier for the desert’s Dieter Kreuer, Managing Director, Tel Upon arrival Angela Hofmann, fierce sand storms. info@-reisen.de, 0049 (0) 7551- responsible for animal husbandry and 6003724, Fax 0049 (0) 7551-6003726, The SEED initiative will continue at SEKEM, led mobile 0049 (0) 1520-9884487, www. to carry out events such as this one the participants through the facility. sekem-reisen.de. to encourage the young generation The tour of the farm gave everyone a of SEKEM employees to meet and Source: SEKEM Travel vivid impression of the sheer size of the address the natural basis and the con- area and the diligence of the employ- ditions of their work. ees reclaiming every metre of precious More information: ground. A discussion developed on the Sarah Abouleish, Bijan Kafi ! http://www.sekem-reisen.de

SEKEM Insight | January 2011 | Page 2 Economy

The Business Development of the SEKEM Group in the Year 2010

The positive business development of SEKEM compa- Turnover (consolidated) nies has continued in 2010. In future SEKEM Insight will publish a brief consolidated report on the current quarterly development. The following information summarize the developments of the year 2010. Sales and operating income figures have been compiled from all companies within the SEKEM Group. The turnover of the companies created through inter-company sales have not been included (consolidated).

Sales (consolidated)

The turnover of the SEKEM Group in the year 2010 increased Operating Income (consolidated)‘ to 230 million Egyptian Pounds (EGP) compared to a turnover of 193 million EGP over the same period in 2009. This repre- sents an increase of 20%.

Operating income (consolidated)

The SEKEM Group has generated an operating profit of 120 million (EGP) in 2010 increasing from 101 million EGP in 2009, an increase of 20% over the same period.

Shares of operations in sales mix *Turnover minus raw materials and direct costs of production.

The total sales overview of the SEKEM Group in 2010 dis- tributed across the individual business units reveals that FMCG (consumer goods such as food) make up more than Sales Mix (by business unit) half of it. This is the largest share of turnover followed by the textile sector, the pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture.

Sales (domestic vs. foreign markets)

In 2010 73% of the sales of the SEKEM group were gen- erated on the Egyptian market. This compares to a share of Agriculture Pharma Textiles FMCG 27% generated on international markets. The development of 2010 represents a shift in favour of the local market of 7% over the same period in 2009. Sales (local vs. foreign markets) Financial flows to the SDF

The SEKEM Group of companies in 2010 financially sup- ported the SEKEM Development Foundation (SDF) with 1,7 million EGP in support payments. With these and its own funds acquired from private and public funders and the inter- national SEKEM support association the SDF has carried out a number of social and cultural projects in the past year. Local Export

SEKEM Insight | January 2011 | Page 3 Economy

New Breakfast Spreads for Organic Specialty Retailers The leading organic food fair BioFach will take place in Nuremberg, ISIS Dates Now Available 16-19 February. SEKEM will present two new specialty products. as a Premium Product

wo new types of breakfast of calcium and phosphorus. They also In January, the sales team at ISIS T spreads - SEKEM Fruits of the provide the body with iron and are rich began with the introduction of a new Sun Pomegranate and Fruits of the in vitamin B1. For SEKEM Fruits of the and very special product on the local Sun Fig - are now available to com- Sun a typical Egyptian variety is used, Egyptian market. The new product plement the already hugely popular which is characterized by its fruity will be familiar to customers but still varieties of mango, guava, dates, and and mild taste. The fruits are carefully represents an unusual release from bitter oranges. The four known fla- sorted and processed immediately SEKEM. Its packaging pleases the eye vours are already available in organic after their harvest to preserve their while its contents appeals to the taste food stores. valuable naturally active ingredients. of any discerning Egyptian customer. SEKEM’s organic dates bearing the Pomegranate - the fruit of life The two new varieties, each avail- popular brand of ISIS are now begin- able in the attractive, easy to dis- ning to be offered in a new and elegant The pomegranate, also known as tinguish 220gr hexagonal glasses, premium packaging. „fruit of life“, is enjoying growing pop- completes the assortment of unique ularity due to its exotic, fresh, slightly fruit spreads available from SEKEM ISIS dates of the highest quality, sour taste, and its numerous posi- via its European distributor SEKEM dipped in honey and filled with exqui- tive health effects. Its high content of Europe. The SEKEM team launches the site nuts, will thus be available in antioxidants is particularly effective new varieties of Fruits of the Sun at its five different varieties: with almonds, against free radicals and can positively booth in hall 7, 111 (at the combined hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios, and influence physical aging processes demeter booth) and invites visitors to a selection that combines all these in exacerbated by stress, ultraviolet come and give them a try. one convenient sampling package. light, or smoking. It is also thought to The sale of the new product through protect against cell damage through The full range of products as well as supermarkets was launched in early its high polyphenol content. No won- other Middle Eastern specialities from January. It is being offered on shelves der the bright red fruit with its many SEKEM will of course also be avail- next to chocolates and other high- seeds appears in many myths and leg- able at the booth. In addition to the quality confectionery. In addition, ends as a symbol of fertility. popular sesame bars and the afore- the ISIS-marketing team is presently mentioned dates the SEKEM team will In SEKEM’s Fruits of the Sun break- engaged in talks with duty-free shops also launch a new selection of oriental fast spread the juice of demeter- at Egyptian airports, specialty con- spices developed and offered in col- pomegranates is gently processed fectionary stores, pastry shops, and laboration with SEKEM’s German part- to preserve the pure flavour of the major hotels. ner Lebensbaum. fresh, sweet-sour taste of the exotic Lamyaa Farouk, junior marketing ingredient. Christina Boecker manager at ISIS, is looking forward to The fig is best known in as the first sales reports and reactions a dry fruit. However, the fresh, pear- from the market because the develop- shaped fruits are becoming more and ment of the entirely new sales chan- more popular. Their mineral nels has been a great content is excellent: challenge for the figs contain large sales team. quantities Christina Boecker

SEKEM Insight | January 2011 | Page 4 Impressions

Impressions from SEKEM

t is an almost trivial fact that more people have drowned in the Sahara than have died of thirst. Egypt may not be the Sahara yet, but it consists of at least 96% of desert, a place that is by no means always I hot and dry, as our picture of the SEKEM farm shows. In the early morning hours and especially during the winter months a dense fog slowly lifts from the fields of the main farm. It dissolves quickly with the first rays of the sun. Until then, however, it dips the entire farm grounds in a ghostly light that recalls memories of the famous moors of the northern hemisphere. From October to March the temperatures that stay just above zero degrees Celsius during the night rise to only about twelve degrees during the day. Many visitors to the farm are surprised by the humidity on the ground and the moisture in the air in the morning hours, a phenom- enon to be explained by the proximity to the Ismaylia canal, constant field irrigation, and the lack of cloud cover and therefore lower surface temperatures during the night.

SEKEM Insight | January 2011 | Page 5 News in Brief

SEKEM Companies Rudolf-Steiner-Express International Lobby for Receive Recertification Picking Up Speed Future Generations

The year 2011 began with good news In an original idea to The Foundation World Future for the companies of the SEKEM group. celebrate the 150th anni- Council works as a voice of future gen- TÜV South, the technical inspection versary of the birth of the erations and their right to inherit an authority of Germany, after several philosopher, writer, scientist ecologically and socially intact world. on-site visits to Egypt eventually con- and founder of , Rudolf Five new Council Members from four firmed in December that all companies Steiner, the “ Express” continents now strengthen the Council would again receive recertification in is ready to take to the rails in a journey of international personalities: 2010 in all major international quality which will take it through four coun- Alexander Likhotal, political scien- standards: ISO 9001 for general qual- tries and 20 cities of central Europe. ity management, ISO 22000 for the tist and historian, advisor to Mikhail management of food safety (includ- The five day journey from 24 to 28 Gorbachev and President of Green ing HACCP), ISO 14001 for environmen- February – from Cologne to Vienna Cross International. tal management, and OHSAS 18001 and back via Steiner’s birth place in Dipal Chandra Barua, economist for the system for the management of Kraljevec in what is now Croatia but from Bangladesh and co-founder of work safety. was then still part of Austria-Hungary the Grameen Bank. - comprises a comprehensive pro- For the first time SEKEM’s lat- gramme of events both on the train Dr. Sándor Fülöp, environmen- est addition to its group of compa- and in the stations visited by the train, tal lawyer and the Parliamentary nies, Lotus Upper Egypt, which dries including a special cultural programme Commissioner for Future Generations organic herbs and processes onions in in the Rheingold club car. in Hungary since 2008. the area of the town of Minya in Upper Alyn Ware, educator and advisor for Egypt was certified according to the Among the events along the trip, nuclear disarmament of the govern- new standards. 150 white peace doves will be released ment of and of the UN. during a celebration to open the anni- The preparation for the TÜV’s mul- versary year in Donji Kraljevec and a Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, UN advisor tiple missions presented the staff brass band will play during a stop in and since 2009 National Chief to the of the central quality management Prien in Bavaria, to name but two. In Assembly of First Nations uniting 644 teams and their colleagues, the offic- Vienna, passengers can learn about Canadian indigenous tribes. ers in charge of quality control in each “Rudolf Steiner and Kinetism” or of the companies, with new challeng- “Rudolf Steiner in the Coffee House”. WFC Founder Jakob von Uexküll: ing tasks. They had to ensure that all Or they can attend a varied programme “With their experience, contacts and standards were known to and fully in the “House of Anthroposophy”. their enthusiasm they will make it pos- implemented by all employees in their sible for us to intensify our work for daily routine - no easy task for a work- The highlight of the trip will be the the rights of future generations.” force in the hundreds in multiple loca- festive ceremony to open the anniver- Source: World Future Council tions such as that of SEKEM. sary year of the philosopher, writer and scientist – founder of anthropos- Thus, the inspection was also taken ophy and associated movements such as a welcome opportunity to reexam- as Waldorf education, biodynamic ine the routine implementation of all agriculture or anthroposophic medi- the quality assurance systems with the cine - in the Austrian National Library Masthead: The editors of SEKEM Insight wish to aim to determine not only if they are in Vienna under the patronage of the thank all contributors to this issue. being implemented with little effort Austrian president, Dr. Heinz Fischer. Editors: and friction, but also to further opti- Christina Boecker Bijan Kafi mise workflows and procedures and to 150 of the 200 seats are already Contact: ensure that all staff accept and comply booked. Those still intending to join SEKEM-Insight c/o SEKEM Holding with the many rules and requirements are asked to book immediately via the P.O.Box 2834, El Horreya, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt of the demanding regulations. website below. [email protected]

Christina Boecker Source: Rudolf Steiner Archive Pictures: 1,4: SEKEM; 5: Bijan Kafi

No republication without writ- More information: More information: ten consent by the publisher. ! http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/ ! http://www.rudolf-steiner-2011.com quality/certification/index_de.htm

SEKEM Insight | January 2011 | Page 6