Local UAE-Produced Items Gain Favor among Customers due to Expanded Retail Inventory of Domestic Wares
Major retail chains across the United Arab Emirates have been expanding their inventory of locally produced goods in response to mounting consumer demand and a national push for industrial development.
Key retailers, including Lulu Retail Holding, Almaya Group, and Al Kabayel Discount Centre, are adapting their offerings to prioritize domestic products due to the strategic partnerships they have forged with the government and shifting consumer preferences.
For instance, Lulu Retail Holding, a prominent player in the region, has operated its Emarat Al-Awwal initiative for seven years to promote local goods, with ambitious plans to grow sales of homegrown items by at least 10 percent. In addition to this effort, the company has teamed up with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to launch the "Make it in the Emirates" campaign nationwide.
Almaya Group has also witnessed growing customer interest in UAE-made goods, particularly in categories such as dairy, fresh produce, and sweets. Kamal Vachani, a partner at Almaya, explains that although imported goods continue to dominate some niche markets, there is an increasing number of shoppers actively seeking out locally produced alternatives.
In alignment with strengthening regulations and improved product standards, Al Kabayel Discount Centre has seen a rise in local sourcing. Purchase manager Ajith Kumar reports that more items, previously imported and later packed locally, are now entirely manufactured within the UAE.
Countering this trend, consumers are becoming more conscious of the shift towards local products, appreciative of the freshness and extended shelf life that they offer. Yousef Alzaabi and Ali Abdullah, amongst other shoppers, express support for locally produced goods and look forward to increased options being made available.
These trends suggest that major retailers in the UAE are poised to further incorporate local products into their product lines as the demand for homegrown alternatives continues to grow.
Sources: Khaleej Times
[1] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/major-retailers-in-the-uae-shift-focus-to-local-goods[2] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/gcc-retailers-invest-in-local-produce[3] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/uae-retailers-seek-to-expand-local-produce[4] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/uae-retailers-boast-local-production-push[5] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/local-goods-on-shelves-now-a-booming-trend-in-uae-retail-sector
Technology is being integrated into the supply chains of major retailers in the UAE, streamlining the process of sourcing and selling locally produced goods, aligning with the growing demand and strategic push for industrial development. Finance, as a crucial aspect, is also playing a significant role in this transition, with retailers like Lulu Retail Holding and Almaya Group securing partnerships with the government to expand sales of homegrown items, not only impacting the lifestyle of shoppers but also contributing to the global smart shopping trends.
