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Organic Onam in ME: LuLu Hypermarkets to serve 2,500 tonnes of fresh produce across GCC
In recent years, the expatriate community has increasingly gravitated toward authenticity and quality in festive preparations
- PUBLISHED: Fri 22 Aug 2025, 10:52 AM
As Onam preparations gain momentum across the UAE and the wider Middle East, this year’s festival is embracing a more mindful and health-conscious spirit. With homes, hypermarkets, and restaurants gearing up for the grand celebration, one key trend is emerging: a noticeable shift toward fresh ingredients, particularly for the beloved Onam Sadhya.
In recent years, the expatriate community has increasingly gravitated toward authenticity and quality in festive preparations. Demand for chemical-free produce, native ingredients, and traditional flavours has surged, replacing the convenience of processed or ready-to-eat alternatives. At the forefront of this movement is LuLu Hypermarket, one of the region’s largest retail chains. LuLu is preparing to deliver over 2,500 tonnes of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to shoppers across the GCC, including a wide variety of produce sourced from around the globe.
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In support of the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, LuLu is also championing locally grown Emirati produce, such as drumstick leaves, coriander, beetroot, and cucumber, all of which now feature prominently on its Onam shelves. "We are sourcing more than 2,500 tonnes of farm-fresh vegetables and fruits from India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, and beyond," said Salim M A, director of LuLu global operations. "We’ve curated a special range for health-conscious consumers. Our sourcing strategy is built on ethical practices, including contract farming, to ensure produce that is as pure and fresh as possible."
Pre-bookings for LuLu’s Onam Sadhya have already begun across its outlets. These traditional vegetarian feasts feature over 23 classic dishes, including an extensive selection of payasams.
This season, LuLu is offering more than 30 varieties of payasam, including sugar-free and fusion-inspired options, catering to a wide range of palates and dietary needs.