Dubai (Commonwealth Union)_ The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) has recently entered into a major partnership with LuLu Group International, a renowned retail chain operating extensively in the Middle East and Asia. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Mumbai, aims to enhance the global promotion of Indian organic products, particularly within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Under the terms of the MoU, LuLu Group will prominently feature a diverse array of certified Indian organic products in its hypermarkets throughout the UAE. This initiative is designed to expand the international reach of these Indian products, allowing them to gain visibility among a broader consumer base.
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APEDA will play a crucial role in facilitating this partnership by connecting Indian organic growers, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and various cooperatives, with LuLu Group. This connection is anticipated to strengthen the relationship between Indian producers and global consumers, thereby bolstering the market presence of Indian organic products. The MoU, signed in the presence of Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, outlines several pivotal initiatives aimed at promoting Indian organic offerings. Key among these is the allocation of dedicated shelf space for organic products certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in LuLu hypermarkets. This will ensure that Indian organic products receive the visibility they deserve.
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Additionally, the partnership will launch various promotional campaigns that include product sampling, interactive consumer events, and buyer-seller meetings. These initiatives aim to engage consumers and gather valuable feedback, further enhancing the marketability of these Indian products. Furthermore, exposure visits for Indian FPOs and FPCs to LuLu Group’s facilities in the UAE will provide them with insights into international retail dynamics, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to thrive in global markets. The commerce ministry has expressed optimism regarding this partnership, stating that it is expected to significantly enhance the global footprint of Indian organic products while simultaneously contributing to the growth of organic farming in India. Hence, by fostering stronger connections between Indian producers and international consumers, the initiative seeks to elevate the status of Indian organic products on the global stage.
Furthermore, APEDA’s commitment to promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products is further strengthened through this collaboration. As the Secretariat for the NPOP, APEDA ensures that the regulatory framework governing organic exports from India is upheld, thereby supporting the integrity and quality of Indian organic products in international markets. LuLu Group, based in Abu Dhabi, operates over 250 hypermarkets and supermarkets across the Middle East and North Africa, making it a key player in the retail sector. This partnership marks a significant step towards showcasing the richness of Indian organic products and expanding their presence in the competitive global market.
