Jeddah: A food festival called ‘Proudly South African’ has started at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Rawabi, Jeddah. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated the fair. A delegation of African ministers Ibrahim Patel, Naledi Pandar, Thoko Didisa, Thandi Modise and South African businessmen attended the ceremony in the presence of Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib. Lulu Saudi Hypermarket Director Shahim Mohammed welcomed the guests.
The President’s visit is in recognition of the outstanding role of the retail sector in promoting South African products in the global market and fostering trade relations between South Africa and Saudi Arabia. In his speech, President Ramaphosa praised the Lulu Group for its leading role in fostering meaningful commercial and friendly relations with South Africa.
He welcomed the Lulu Group Executive Director’s proposal of a logistics hub in his country. He indicated that the South African government will work with Lulu to make this a reality by 2024. His warm words about friendship with Saudi Arabia were welcomed by Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib.
The ‘Proudly South African’ festival will run until October 22. South African peppers, juices, high quality fruits and vegetables, canned spiced food, leading South African brands such as Nando’s, Westphalia, Blue Diamond Almond Milk, Rooibos Tea, Dew Lands Juices, Cape Herb and Spice will be on display at the fair. More than 433 varieties of South African produce and 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables, apples, citrus, berries, stone fruits, baby vegetables and many more will be available at the fair under special promotions.
Lulu Saudi Director Shahim Mohammed said that the Lulu Group has recognized the range and quality of South African products and therefore their showcases will be rich with various products from there. He added that the abundance of South African products at the Lulu Festival is a symbol of our growing relationship with Africa.