LuLu Group holds 17th ‘Let’s Eatalian’ festival

LuLu Group launched the 17th edition of the “Let’s Eatalian” festival at LuLu Hypermarket, Abu Sidra branch, Monday.
The festival, which is being held at all LuLu outlets in the region until March 5, showcases the best of Italian cuisine with support from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and in co-operation with the Italian embassy in Qatar.
“Let’s Eatalian” will “bring the wholesome goodness of Italy’s delightful cuisine to shoppers across all LuLu stores in Qatar, and is set to attract visitors from all over the country with its unique blend of vibrant traditional and cultural experiences of Italy, with live musical performances and dance displays”.
Similarly, the event is a chance to indulge in the authentic flavours of Italy, prepared by some of the best Italian chefs in the region, as well as to learn about the history and traditions of Italy and enjoy a day of fun and entertainment with family and friends.
The festival was inaugurated by Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi and his wife, in the presence of ITA commissioner Paola Lisi, Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed M A al-Thani, businessman Nabeel Abu Issa, Italian Chamber of Commerce president Palma Libotte, and Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International.
Also attending the event were dignitaries from different ministries, Qatar Chamber, ICC Qatar, and representatives of the retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.
An informative cooking demonstration, led by the ambassador and chef Claudio Trovato of Cucina restaurant at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, was also one of the highlights of the event.
LuLu has brought a unique range to this festival through its sourcing offices network in Europe, specifically the newest sourcing office of the group in Malpensa, Milan, which supports the trade of Italian products in the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region.
The festival is a “great way to explore the tastes and goodness of Italian ingredients at budget-friendly prices”.
Shoppers can buy fresh pizza, Italian-style cakes and desserts from the LuLu kitchens, made with the finest ingredients.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, ambassador Toschi lauded LuLu Group, describing the global retailer as “a very good partner” and saying that the group has “a significant presence” in Italy, with access to growing number of Italian brands.
“We are proud of LuLu Group,” he said. “And we are working on putting more focus on quality products and sustainable brands, especially those which Italy is known for.”
According to Toschi, the “Let’s Eatalian Festival” has been highly successful in providing a platform to showcase a wide variety of Italian food products and cuisines, as well as the country’s traditions and culture.
“Food is one of the best ways to bring people together; it also helps people explore new cultures and allows anyone to experience the best ingredients of the world,” the envoy further said.
The ambassador stressed that Italy’s food export to Qatar has been “growing significantly year by year” and that the Italian embassy in Qatar is planning to launch further initiatives, in co-ordination with LuLu Group, to bring more Italian products to the country in the near future.
He noted that Italy will participate in the International Horticultural Exhibition (Expo 2023 Doha), which will be held in the country from October.
“Expo Doha 2023 will be an opportunity to showcase the achievements of Italy in food security and sustainability, as well as in the environment and health sectors,” Toschi said.
According to Dr Althaf, LuLu Group is planning to organise a series of exciting events and activities in the coming weeks across its hypermarkets in Qatar.
He also said that LuLu has forged partnerships with different Italian companies.
By May this year, he said, several new exclusive brands are expected to be added to LuLu outlets in Qatar.
He said the initiative will help expand the range of Italian foods, including more organic and healthy foods.
On LuLu Group’s export centre in Milan, Italy, Dr Althaf said the facility has started operating at full capacity.
“The centre, which facilitates the export of food products from Italy to Qatar, has started sending shipments,” he added. “It is expected to be inaugurated officially in May this year.”
He noted that Italian food exports to Qatar “witnessed a 100% growth” since the establishment of a partnership between LuLu Group and the ITA with the support of the embassy of Italy in Qatar.
“The expansion of LuLu outlets and the growing food supply contributed greatly in raising imports from Italy,” Dr Althaf added.
To boost the imports further, he said LuLu Group is planning to re-launch some programmes with a special focus on healthy food ranges, such as low sugar and snacks below the 100-calorie range.
The “Let’s Eatalian” festival brings top-quality food and ingredients to the spotlight, stuffed with the goodness and gourmet taste of Italian food and the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
A wide variety of excellent cheeses, Italian chocolate, fruit jams, coffee, salt, water, pasta, spaghetti, sauce, puff pastries from well-known brands, and Italian apples, kiwis and other vegetables are on display at “best buy” prices.