File photo used for representation only.
Aiming to promote ‘Made in Qatar’ products, Lulu Hypermarket has joined hands with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for production of its private label products. The move not only will boost local products but will also ensure uninterrupted supply of goods in case of any emergency or disruption.
Lulu Hypermarket has partnered with around 40 local companies to manufacture, produce ‘Lulu Label’ products for its stores operating across the country. “We are now working in partnership with local companies to localise a lot of our private label production. Roughly around 40 companies will be making Lulu’s private label products previously being manufactured in other countries,” said Director of Lulu Hypermarket Group in Qatar, Dr. Mohamed Althaf.
Talking to media persons recently, he said that the partnership will help ensure food security, maintain uninterrupted supply chain in case of disruption and create healthy competition in the market.
Speaking about business conditions in Qatar during COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Althaf said: “Despite what is going on around the world, Qatar is a hot spot for many global players so we are extending our footprint, deepening relationship with Qatar and expanding our infrastructure now.”
He said that Lulu Hypermarkets was set to add more stores “hopefully by next year, at least four new stores will be opened in the country”.
Regarding logistic supports for Lulu Hypermarkets, Dr. Althaf said: “We are building food security warehouses for strategic storage. We have taken up a place in Manateq, Al Wukair for building a deep storage for essential foods.”
He said that at the same time Lulu’s online presence was also expanding. “We are in the process of setting up the first complete center exclusively for e-commerce to deliver all essential goods swiftly,” he added.
Speaking about the impact of pandemic, Althaf said that Qatar was resilient during COVID-19 and faced no damage. “We are very happy that we made our contribution what we could do during the crisis time. We kept our supply chain intact, we kept food prices low and we also helped the needy community,” said Dr. Althaf.
For example, he said, Lulu set up popup store in the Industrial Area within 24 hours to cater the people. Dr. Althaf, who is also a member of Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), said that government’s support helped greatly in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 in local market. “QBA recently held a review meeting where every industry leader, the members of QBA, were of the opinion that Qatar government’s support was a key initiative to help everyone,” he added.
Speaking about the preparation of Lulu Hypermarkets for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Dr. Althaf said: “Lulu is fully ready for the largest global sporting event which is expected to attract a lot of visitors, guests. We will ensure to provide foods for all; as per dietary plans and preferences of visitors and residents.”
He said that Lulu was working to open an export facility in Milan, Italy before the holy month of Ramadan which would give a tremendous boost to exports of Italian food products to Qatar. “The facility was scheduled to open by the end of December 2020 but due to pandemic now it is expected to open in April or May 2021,” said Dr. Althaf.
He said that Lulu Hypermarket was importing container-load of products from Italy having wide range from organic food to gluten-free and many other food items.
