Doha, Qatar – LuLu Hypermarket Qatar has launched a nationwide campaign, “Made in Qatar – Qatari Products Our First Choice,” in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The initiative, which began on December 29th and runs through January 3rd, aims to bolster local production and enhance food security in Qatar by prioritizing domestically sourced goods. The launch event took place at the Al Gharafa branch of LuLu Hypermarket, with officials from both ministries and LuLu management in attendance.
The campaign features a wide array of Qatari-made products across all LuLu stores in the country. These include fresh produce like vegetables and herbs, poultry, eggs, meat, dairy, frozen foods, baked goods, and even non-food items such as health and beauty products. The initiative represents a continued effort to support Qatari farmers and businesses, providing them with a platform to reach a broader consumer base.
Supporting Local Farmers with the “Made in Qatar” Campaign
According to a statement from the Ministry of Municipality, a key objective of the campaign is to provide financial support to local farm owners. This is achieved by increasing demand for their products and ensuring they receive fair prices. The Ministry also emphasized that all featured products undergo rigorous quality checks and approvals before being offered to consumers, guaranteeing freshness and safety.
The timing of the campaign coincides with the start of Qatar’s agricultural season, a period when local farms significantly increase their supply of fresh produce. LuLu Hypermarket representatives stated that the government’s support mechanisms allow farmers to offer competitive pricing, particularly during peak harvest times. This benefits both consumers and the local agricultural sector.
Boosting Qatar’s Food Security
The “Qatari Products Our First Choice” campaign is part of a larger national strategy to strengthen Qatar’s food security. Qatar has been actively investing in its agricultural capabilities in recent years, aiming to reduce its reliance on imports. This initiative directly contributes to that goal by promoting local alternatives and fostering a more sustainable food system.
LuLu Hypermarket officials highlighted the substantial increase in production volumes from Qatari farms this year compared to previous years. This growth is attributed to ongoing investments in modern farming techniques and infrastructure, as well as the supportive policies implemented by the government. The increased output allows for greater availability of locally sourced products in the market.
The initiative also aims to encourage consumers to prioritize locally produced goods. By making these products more visible and accessible, the campaign hopes to shift purchasing habits and foster a sense of national pride in Qatari agriculture and manufacturing. This increased consumer demand will further incentivize local businesses to expand and innovate.
The Ministries involved have not released specific sales targets for the campaign. However, they anticipate a positive impact on the income of local farmers and a greater awareness among consumers regarding the quality and availability of Qatari products.
Looking ahead, the success of this campaign will likely inform future collaborations between the government and private retailers to further promote local production. Monitoring the impact on farmer incomes and consumer purchasing patterns will be crucial in evaluating the long-term effectiveness of the initiative and identifying areas for improvement. Further announcements regarding similar programs are expected in the new year.
