The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LuLu Group International, a prominent retail chain in the Middle East and Asia. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, during his visit to Mumbai on September 10, 2024.
This partnership aims to promote Indian organic products across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Under the agreement, LuLu Group will feature a wide variety of certified Indian organic products in its stores, while APEDA will connect organic producers in India, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and cooperatives, with the retail chain. The goal is to expand the global reach of Indian organic products and foster stronger linkages between Indian farmers and international consumers.
As part of the MoU, Indian organic products certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) will be given dedicated shelf space in LuLu hypermarkets. Additionally, several promotional initiatives such as product sampling, interactive events, consumer feedback drives, and trade fairs are planned to enhance consumer awareness and boost exports. Exposure visits to the UAE will also be arranged for Indian FPOs, FPCs, and cooperatives to help them gain insights into international retail practices.
This collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of organic farming in India while helping Indian organic products reach a wider global audience through LuLu Group’s expansive network. APEDA, which plays a key role in promoting agricultural exports, will continue to support these efforts as part of its mandate to regulate organic exports from India under the NPOP.
The partnership underscores India's commitment to enhancing the global presence of its organic produce through strategic collaborations.
