Leading regional retail chain LuLu Hypermarket has announced the launch of its ‘Festival of Spain’ promotion, which will run until October 16, 2024, across all LuLu outlets in Qatar.
The week-long festival recently kicked off with a grand inauguration at LuLu Hypermarket in LuLu Giardino, The Pearl Qatar. The event was attended by Spanish ambassador Javier Carbajosa Sanchez and his spouse, along with dignitaries from the Spanish Business Council, officials from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, and other distinguished guests.
A key feature of the festival is the exclusive offers on a wide range of Spanish-branded products, making it a great shopping experience for those who appreciate Spanish culture and cuisine. The event showcases eye-catching displays of iconic monuments and creatively arranged Spanish products, adding to the festive ambience, and providing a fully immersive experience for visitors.
The festival also includes Spanish food stalls and free sampling booths, allowing shoppers to taste authentic Spanish dishes. Additionally, a diverse selection of Spanish imports, including fresh foods, such as cheeses, bread, and other produce, are prominently featured in the promotion.
The ambassador expressed excitement during the launch of the festival, saying:
“This is my second time visiting, and I’m pleased to see even more exhibitors this year. This success is the result of the combined efforts of the commercial office, LuLu, and the chamber of commerce. The number of Spanish companies participating, particularly in gastronomy, continues to grow, and it’s wonderful to see such a wide range of Spanish products showcased here.”
Sanchez said, “Tourism and gastronomy are central to Spain’s economy, with tourism alone contributing 12-15% of our GDP. Last year, we welcomed 82mn tourists, many of whom fell in love with our culinary specialities like paella. Spain is thrilled to see its presence expanding here in Qatar, and we look forward to strengthening our ties with LuLu.
“Additionally, with LuLu already established in Spain, it’s no stranger to us. We’re eager to further strengthen the connection between our two countries. We extend our gratitude to LuLu for their ongoing efforts in promoting Spanish products and fostering this valuable relationship.”
Dr Mohamed Althaf, LuLu Group director of Global Operations, highlighted the group’s growing footprint in Spain: “Our consolidation has grown significantly. We now operate two sourcing facilities in Spain and have direct partnerships with local producers, especially in fruits and vegetables. This expanded presence enables us to source products from Spain across all regions.
“You may have noticed that despite sourcing premium products from Spain, we ensure they remain affordable. For example, we offer high-quality bakery items for just QR3 and European-grade organic oats for QR10. This strategy allows us to manage inflation and maintain price stability, even amid global geopolitical tensions or adverse weather events. Our goal is to ensure a robust supply chain that keeps products available at competitive prices.”
Althaf added: “Having successfully navigated challenges like the pandemic without any major disruptions, we are confident in our ability to expand further. Spain is a key exporter of premium food products, and we are eager to continue growing our presence there.
“The demand for Spanish products at LuLu is strong. What sets Spanish products apart is not just the retail aspect but also the bulk supply—whether it is olive oil, meat, or vegetables like broccoli. Spanish products, particularly olive oil, fruits, and vegetables are significant contributors to our offerings and have been very well received by our customers in this region.”
LuLu Hypermarket’s state-of-the-art logistics and warehousing centre in Madrid, Y International, supports its entire chain of hypermarkets, ensuring a broad selection of Spanish products at highly competitive prices. Additionally, LuLu Group operates an extensive network of Export Distribution Centres across 22 countries, with advanced facilities in the UK, the US, and Italy.
The ‘Festival of Spain’ once again highlights LuLu Hypermarket’s commitment to offering a diverse range of premium products from around the world, providing shoppers with top-quality goods at unbeatable prices. Additionally, the inaugural ceremony was enhanced by live musical performances from students of King’s College Doha, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
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Spanish ambassador Javier Carbajosa Sanchez and his spouse, along with dignitaries from the Spanish Business Council, officials from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, and other distinguished guests, during the inauguration of 'Festival of Spain', a week-long festival at LuLu Hypermarket in LuLu Giardino, The Pearl Qatar
More Spanish products are on display at LuLu Hypermarket shelves
Dignitaries witnessing the cake-cutting ceremony. PICTURE: Thajudheen
Dr Mohamed Althaf, LuLu Group director of Global Operations, with the ambassador and his spouse during the tour. PICTURE: Thajudheen
Sampling some of the Spanish brands during the festival. PICTURE: Thajudheen
