At the same time, LuLu also launched its popular Indian Independence Day festival ‘India Utsav’ across all LuLu stores located in other Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries.
Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal inaugurated the festival in Qatar, at LuLu Hypermarket Ain Khaled branch in the presence of many dignitaries, including, Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmed M A al-Thani, Abdulla al-Kuwari, Ibrahim al-Malki, and Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of Lulu Group International.
In his speech during the event, Dr Mittal lauded LuLu’s Hypermarket’s initiative in organising an Indian festival across all LuLu outlets in Qatar and in other GCC countries.
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“It is a very special moment for every Indian citizen to be celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. LuLu has been playing an important role in promoting Indian brands in the GCC,” said Mittal.
He noted that Lulu has been playing a major role in supporting food security in Qatar, “especially during challenging times in the past few years.”
“The festival is showcasing a variety of products, which have been imported exclusively from different parts of India, ranging from the northeast and southeast,” he said, adding that the festival is showcasing various food items, including fruits, organic vegetables, millets, and other plant-based protein products that are suitable for vegans.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, al-Kuwari said Lulu Hypermarket is offering a wide range of Indian food items during the festival, including fruits and vegetables, among others, “in very nice packs.”
“LuLu Hypermarket is very famous for its promotions and for offering products at competitive prices. It always offers something new to its customers. We are grateful to LuLu for supporting our local market,” said al-Kuwari.
Dr Althaf also noted that the festival aims to celebrate Indian culture on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. “Being a major player in Qatar-India relations, LuLu Hypermarket is taking this opportunity not only to promote Indian products but to enhance trade and cultural relations, as well as cuisines,” said Althaf.
He said diplomatic relations between Qatar and India span 50 years, “bringing the two countries closer.” According to Dr Althaf, many new shipping routes have been opened in the past five years. “Now we have direct trade relationships between Qatar and India, which would enhance further trade ties of the two countries,” he stressed.
On Qatar’s food security, Dr Althaf said India is playing “a very major role” by exporting large quantities of food items to the benefit of everyone in the country.
“This is one of the major events we are hosting in this new LuLu Hypermarket branch. The festival-related offers are available in all the 18 stores in the region,” added Althaf.
LuLu has been celebrating the festival under the same theme for two decades, aligning the event with India’s Independence Day to celebrate the diverse culture and heritage of India, and to highlight the unique quality and richness of Indian food products.
LuLu, which has a strong Indian network of food processing and logistics centres for exporting bulk products to Middle Eastern countries, has flown in many exclusive Indian products for this “well-loved and immersive” shopping festival that showcases a wide range of food products, agri-produce range with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and seafood.
LuLu chefs have created a huge range of authentic specialties, desserts, and street food delicacies in the hot food section. To complete the Indian culture experience, trendy high-street fashion and a curated collection of designer wear for festivals are also available.
This year, LuLu is highlighting more than 3,500 products in different categories imported from India for promotion. They include fruits, vegetables, meat, packaged food products, kitchen essentials, and traditional wear like sarees and churidars.
A wide range of fresh hot food dishes is prepared daily. The festival also offers shoppers the opportunity to enjoy the taste of authentic Indian cuisine, such as LuLu’s delicious biryanis, mouth-watering curries, popular street foods, traditional sweets, and other delicacies that are available at the most affordable prices.
Other key festival highlights include a special stall to promote Indian handicrafts, silk and handloom items, and Kashmir products, among others. The Indian food festival will also showcase different state cuisines and snacks. Shoppers will also be treated to cultural shows and competitions.
India Utsav promotions are available at all LuLu Hypermarkets and online via www.luluhypermarket.com.
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