“India is a very important source of food for Qatar. India is one of the largest producers of food items like lentil and sugar, among others. It plays a key role in ensuring food security,” said Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, on the sidelines of the event.
‘India Ustav 2021’ not only showcases the South Asian nation’s culinary heritage and culture but it was also organised by LuLu Group to commemorate India’s 75th Independence Day. The festivity was inaugurated by Dr Deepak Mittal, India’s ambassador to Qatar, together with dignitaries from government ministries, Qatar Chamber, and officials of different sectors in the country.
“By holding this event, we are not only showcasing food items from India but we would like to give a message to people that India’s food industry is evolving all the time and is keeping pace with the fast developments in the food sector,” Althaf stressed.
Althaf said LuLu Hypermarket has been organising the Indian festival twice annually for the past two decades. “We are holding the festivals to celebrate Indian culinary heritage with food as one of the major bonds between India and the Middle East, including GCC and Qatar. The festival showcases food items from India, which accounts large portion of foods being consumed in Qatar,” said Althaf.
Althaf also noted that India is leading in terms of organic food certification. “Functional food companies are coming from India, specialising in vegan and other healthy foods, which shows the great achievements of India in the food sector,” he said.
According to Althaf, LuLu Group imports over 5,000 products in different categories, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, packaged food products, kitchen essentials, and traditional wear like sarees, churidars, and other garments through its own sourcing offices in India on a regular basis.
Althaf said, “LuLu Group has always been making sustained efforts through organised logistic network to make global products available at the best rates for shoppers, which makes LuLu distinct in the retail sector.”
He added that India’s achievements in its food production industry have played a vital role in global efforts to attain food security, hunger mitigation, and nutrition.