Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Lulu Hypermarket, the leading retail chain in the region, has once again lived up to its reputation for organizing culturally immersive events with the launch of its highly anticipated "Festival of Spain.” The week-long event, which will run until October 16, across all Lulu outlets in Qatar, celebrates Spain’s rich culture and cuisine by offering a wide range of premium Spanish products at unbeatable prices.
The festival promises to be a delightful experience for shoppers, with an array of activities and promotions that highlight the very best of Spain.
The grand inauguration of the festival took place at Lulu Hypermarket in Lulu Giardino, The Pearl Qatar. It was attended by Ambassador of Spain to Qatar HE Javier Carbajosa Sanchez along with his spouse, Lulu Group Director of Global Operations Dr Mohamed Althaf, prominent members of the Spanish Business Council, officials from Lulu Group and the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar. The event attracted a distinguished audience, further underscoring the strong bilateral ties between Spain and Qatar.
In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Ambassador Sanchez expressed his enthusiasm for the growing collaboration between Spain and Lulu Hypermarket.
"This is my second time visiting, and I’m pleased to see even more exhibitors this year. The success of this festival 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,” he said.
He went on to highlight Spain’s important role in global tourism and gastronomy, noting that these sectors are essential contributors to the country’s economy.
"Tourism and gastronomy are central to Spain’s economy, with tourism alone contributing 12-15 percent of our GDP. Last year, we welcomed 82 million tourists, many of whom fell in love with our culinary specialties like paella. Spain is thrilled to see its presence expanding here in Qatar, and we look forward to strengthening our ties with Lulu,” he said.
Ambassador Sanchez also emphasised Spain’s strategic role as a key supplier of premium food products to Qatar. "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,” he said.
One of the most attractive features of the "Festival of Spain” is the exclusive offers on a broad range of Spanish-branded products, from fresh foods to household goods. Shoppers can enjoy discounts on everything from premium olive oils, cheeses, and vegetables to traditional Spanish bakery items. Lulu Hypermarket has gone the extra mile to create a festive ambiance within its stores, with eye-catching displays of iconic Spanish landmarks and creatively arranged products that immerse shoppers in Spanish culture. The attention to detail in the displays reflects Lulu’s commitment to offering customers not just products but a full cultural experience.
Adding to the excitement of the festival, Lulu has also set up Spanish food stalls and sampling booths where shoppers can taste authentic Spanish dishes. This initiative has been a major draw for food enthusiasts who are eager to sample traditional Spanish cuisine without leaving Doha. From freshly baked bread and cheeses to signature dishes like paella, visitors have the chance to discover the unique flavors that Spain has to offer.
Speaking about the company’s growing presence in Spain and the strong demand for Spanish products in Qatar, Lulu Group Director of Global Operations Dr Mohamed Althaf said, "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.”
He emphasised that despite sourcing premium products from Spain, Lulu remains committed to offering these items at affordable prices.
"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,” he said.
He also pointed out that Lulu’s state-of-the-art logistics and warehousing center in Madrid (Y International) plays a crucial role in supporting its operations, ensuring a steady supply of Spanish products for all Lulu outlets.
"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,” he said.
The "Festival of Spain” is not just about shopping; it’s also a celebration of Spanish culture. The inaugural ceremony was enhanced by live musical performances from children of King’s College Doha, who added a lively and festive atmosphere to the event. The performances were a delightful addition to the cultural experience that the festival aims to provide.
The wide range of Spanish products showcased at Lulu during the festival includes olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and much more. Althaf highlighted that these products are not only significant in retail but also in bulk supply, serving the broader market in Qatar.