LuLu Group is showcasing about 400 new British products across Qatar as the British Food Week celebration started at all its outlets in the country, said a top official of LuLu Group.
“We have almost 400 new British products on display,” said LuLu Group International director Dr Mohamed Althaf. “This year, we have brought back organic dairy products as well, as organic cheese products that were not in the Qatari market for some time. They are back on our shelves.”
“We have also brought in Welsh lamb, several fruits and vegetables, among others,” he said.
Dr Althaf was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the opening of the British Food Week at LuLu Hypermarket, Abu Sidra Mall.
“We have been holding the British Food Week for almost 10 years. This year, it coincides with the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It also coincides with the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the UK, where several agreements and mutual partnerships were announced,” he said.
The official noted that LuLu Group is expanding its product range and introducing new products here.
“People equate LuLu with high quality and safe food products, and our aim is to enhance their expectations further with a more modern, innovative range of products,” Dr Althaf said. “The emphasis here is to encourage people to eat healthy.”
“The UK was the first government to bring legislation to regulate high-fat, high-sodium and high-sugar content food products,” he continued. “We want to continue on those lines and introduce products that will help people eat good food and stay healthy.”
According to Dr Althaf, the UK has introduced several eco-friendly initiatives and LuLu has also moved along those lines.
“The ties of citizens and residents here in Qatar with Britain and British food are historic,” he said. “British food is also very diverse, and there is always scope for a lot of diversity in British food.”
“In line with our commitment to reduce the use of plastic, our stores have switched to compostable packaging made from sugarcane,” the official added.
Dr Althaf, who attended the World Economic Forum in Davos recently, said that this year has been a very special one for him.
“I have been attending the World Economic Forum for over 10 years, and this year was very special on account of the visit of the His Highness the Amir,” he explained.
“There was a lot of excitement and interest among the participants to listen to his speech,” Dr Althaf continued. “His Highness the Amir spoke at the plenary session, and through the speech, he delivered the message of Qatar’s vision and the efforts at achieving sustainable development. It was very well received by the participants.”
“His Highness the Amir also briefed the audience on the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Qatar’s efforts to make it a big success,” he added. “I also had the privilege of attending a private reception on the sidelines of the forum, where His Highness the Amir came and interacted with many dignitaries.”
The official said that LuLu is expanding its activities in the UK, which started modestly eight years ago in Birmingham and is currently growing and thriving.
“We are focusing more on nutrition, reducing food wastage as well as low-calorie, low-sugar food items. This is good for the people. Our food is healthy for the planet too,” he added.
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