Dubai: A Beacon of Excellence, Highland Agro Food Private Limited (HAFPL) has been honored with the Sustainable Production and Export Excellence Award at the 2025 Sustainability Excellence Awards.
The ceremony, hosted by Gulf News in collaboration with BeingShe, took place at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, Dubai. This accolade recognizes the company for establishing new benchmarks in sustainability leadership and responsible operations within the UAE and the international market.
HAFPL was selected from a competitive pool of over 100 nominations, representing various sectors such as agriculture, finance, and technology. The award highlights the company’s specific achievements in sustainable production practices, responsible sourcing, and excellence in seafood exports. By prioritizing these areas, HAFPL has demonstrated a significant commitment to driving environmental and social impact throughout the global food supply chain.
During the event, Chief Guest Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, noted that sustainability is now a national priority supported by strong private-sector participation. HAFPL’s recognition underscores its role as a leader in this transition, proving that large-scale food production can be both profitable and planet-conscious.
Shri Vijay Vaghela, CEO of Gulf News, reinforced this sentiment in his welcome address, noting that the awards celebrate organizations like HAFPL that are actively shaping a better future for the next generation. The honor serves as a formal acknowledgment of the company’s dedication to ethical growth and continuous improvement in the global seafood industry.
At the helm of this success is the company’s visionary Chairman, Shri Rabindra Kumar Jena. A seasoned leader with a background in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from XIMB, Shri Jena brings decades of industrial and administrative expertise to the group. His career spans significant roles, including serving as a Managing Director in the manufacturing sector and representing the Balasore constituency as a Member of Parliament in the 16th Lok Sabha.
Under his guidance, HAFPL has transitioned from a traditional exporter into a dynamic, tech-driven organization focused on the future of food security and ethical production. His forward-thinking strategy focuses on the belief that long-term business prosperity is inextricably linked to environmental stewardship.
Working alongside him is the group’s Managing Director, Shri Pratik Jena, whose operational leadership has been instrumental in executing the company’s sustainability roadmap. Together, they have fostered a corporate culture that prioritizes responsible sourcing, complete traceability, and ethical export practices. Their combined vision has positioned HAFPL as a key player in India’s agro-export sector, directly supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals and the global movement toward more transparent supply chains.
MD HAFPL Shri Jena’s commitment for driving long-term prosperity through responsible growth, ensuring that the company remains a leader in both commercial success and environmental stewardship.