Are grocery retailers Ramadan ready?

The growth opportunity for food and grocery retailers during the Holy Month of Ramadan doesn’t require much explaining as consumer interest in anything food-related tends to peak. Searches related to promotions and healthy recipes receive a heightened focus as families and friends gather around food after a whole day of fasting.

For perspective, consumers in Saudi Arabia are expected to spend more on grocery shopping, up by 51%, this Ramadan compared to the same period in 2022, a Toluna study indicated.

So, are grocery retailers Ramadan ready?

We’ve frozen prices of 200 essential items for Ramadan: Lulu Hypermarket

Grocery retail major Lulu Hypermarket has rolled out discounts and promotions on over 10,000 products. Consumers can avail up to 60% discount across several categories including food and grocery, electronics and lifestyle to name a few during the entire Holy Month.

Importantly, considering inflationary pressures and existing market conditions, “We have frozen the prices of 200 essential items,” shared V. Nandakumar, Director – Marketing & Communications, Lulu Group International. In addition, we have launched exclusive Ramadan boxes with themed items that are consumed more during this time of the year.” These boxes come in two variants priced at AED85 and AED110 that is almost 10-15% less than the usual price of products included in the kits.

Aligned with the spirit of giving and sharing the Lulu Group has also planned several corporate social responsibility initiatives during Ramadan in collaboration with Dubai Cares and Emirates Red Crescent.

Our shelves are stocked for Ramadan: Al Maya Supermarket

All set for the season of fasting and reflection Al Maya Supermarket is fully prepared for Ramadan. During the Holy Month Al Maya Supermarket expects its food and beverage category to lead followed by household essentials and personal care products.

“We have worked hard to ensure that our shelves are stocked with a wide range of products from dates and traditional Ramadan foods to household items and personal care products,” said Kamal Vachani, Group Director of Al Maya Group. In addition to the usual categories, Al Maya Supermarket has also introduced a range of special Ramadan themed products including traditional sweets and snacks.

Al Maya Supermarket is also expecting a change in consumer behaviour during Ramadan. As families gather to break their fasts, the company expects to see an increase in sales of family-size products and items that are commonly used in Ramadan recipes. “We have taken this into consideration and have stocked up on products that are commonly used in Ramadan recipes, such as lentils, rice and spices,” Vachani added.

Grocery retailers embrace the spirit of Ramadan

To facilitate shopping during the Holy Month many other grocery retailers have also launched several offers and promotions. For example, Union Coop has launched its discount campaign with price reduction on more than 10,000 basic food and non-food products during the holy month of Ramadan. The retailer’s Ramadan campaign includes seven promotions in which the percentages of discounts range between 60% and 75%.

While GMG with including 16 Géant and 21 aswaaq supermarkets in its portfolio is offering 50% discount on Ramadan staples such as oil, canned goods, pulses, rice and dates as well as electronics and homeware. Additionally, Géant and aswaaq have partnered with Emirates Red Crescent enabling customers to give back.