With great pride and honor, in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, Lulu Hypermarket Doha/Qatar, has launched its fourth edition of the “Let’s Eat Italian” festival, which is being held across all Lulu outlets until September 21, 2024. This eagerly awaited event showcases the best of authentic Italian products, providing consumers in Qatar with a unique opportunity to explore Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
The festival was inaugurated at Lulu Hypermarket, The Pearl Qatar by H.E. Paolo Tocci, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar, Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Director of International Operations of Lulu Group, and Ms. Paola Lisi, Italian Trade Commissioner, in the presence of a number of distinguished guests. The event aims to promote Italian cuisine, enhance the visibility of Italian suppliers in Lulu Hypermarket, and enrich the shopping experience of Qatari consumers with high-quality Italian food products.
Ambassador Tocci expressed his enthusiasm for the growing popularity of Italian products in the Qatari market, saying: “The Qatari market is expanding for Italian products, especially food and beverages. People here are very aware of the high quality of Italian goods, which adhere to the highest standards of health and safety. Lulu Hypermarket has been an exceptional partner, sourcing products directly from Italian producers. We are keen to see this partnership continue to flourish.” Dr. Mohammed Althaf pointed to the festival’s role in strengthening trade relations between Qatar and Italy. “This Italian Food Festival, organized in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, aims to introduce a variety of new Italian products to the Qatari market. Our goal is to increase Italian food exports to Qatar by 40%. Italy produces some of the best Italian products – high-quality food at affordable prices, and is a leader in food safety standards.”
The festival focuses on a variety of Italian products, including dry groceries, canned goods, fresh produce, cheeses and traditional ingredients. During the event, Ambassador Toschi provided insights into the variety and quality of Italian goods available at Lulu Hypermarket, from fine cheeses to handcrafted pasta, giving consumers a deeper understanding of the products on offer in Qatar.
Lulu Group’s commitment to promoting Italian products is further demonstrated by the sourcing, processing and export centre located in Milan, which has significantly boosted the export of Italian goods to Qatar. This strategic investment underscores Lulu’s dedication to fostering strong trade relations with Italy and ensuring a continuous supply of high-quality Italian products to the Qatari market.
The “Let’s Eat Italian” festival not only promotes Italian exports to Qatar but also strengthens cultural and economic ties between the two countries. By introducing authentic Italian flavours to Qatari consumers, Lulu Hypermarket caters to the growing demand for international cuisine while fostering cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.
The festival opens up opportunities for Italian suppliers to expand their reach into Qatar, contributing to the growth of both economies. In addition, the festival plays a pivotal role in cultural exchange. When Qatari consumers experience Italian cuisine, they gain insight into the history and traditions behind the food, deepening their appreciation for Italian culture and strengthening the bonds between Italy and Qatar. The opening ceremony was lively with live musical performances by students from King’s College Doha, adding to the festive atmosphere. Led by Italian professor Madame Corina Mollogni, the string quartet performed in the basement, including pieces such as Handel’s “Porre” and Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi’s opera. This was followed by the Qatari national anthem, followed by the Crescendo Opera Group performing the Italian national anthem and “Saria possibile” from Donizetti’s opera Elisir d’Amore.
Lulu Hypermarket and the Italian Trade Agency invite everyone to experience the richness and authenticity of Italian cuisine at the 4th edition of ‘Let’s Eat Italian’ festival which will continue across Lulu Hypermarket outlets in Qatar until September 21, 2024.
