Three Kazakh companies have secured agreements with LuLu, one of the Middle East's largest retail chains. The deals could bring Kazakhstan-made food products, natural honey and energy drinks to supermarket shelves across the United Arab Emirates. However, several commercial and logistical steps remain before sales can begin, DKNews.kz reports.
The agreements were signed during Global Food Week 2026, held from October 6 to 8 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, according to QazTrade.
Three Kazakh companies sign agreements with LuLu
SBK Company, Brand Kazakhstan and NEW Energy Drink signed cooperation agreements with the major UAE retailer.
The companies represent different product categories, including food products, natural honey and energy drinks.
The agreements create a potential route for Kazakh manufacturers to reach UAE consumers through LuLu's established retail network.
However, signing an agreement does not mean the products are already available in stores.
The next stage involves finalizing product assortments, negotiating commercial terms and ensuring compliance with the retailer's product requirements. The companies must also work out delivery arrangements and logistics.
For exporters, there is a significant difference between showcasing products at an international exhibition and securing regular deliveries to overseas supermarkets.
The latter requires manufacturers to meet the retailer's standards, agree on pricing and supply conditions, and establish reliable distribution channels.
Kazakhstan has previously explored opportunities with LuLu
Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UAE retailer has been developing for several years.
In December 2024, a Kazakh delegation held talks with representatives of LuLu Group International and Grandiose. Discussions focused on expanding food supplies, organizing joint marketing activities and promoting Kazakh brands in the UAE.
As previously reported, a tasting event featuring Kazakh products was organized at a LuLu supermarket during the visit. Visitors were also introduced to traditional Kazakh dishes, including meals prepared with lamb from Kazakhstan.
In January 2026, further discussions on livestock exports took place with partners in the UAE and India.
The talks covered veterinary certification, logistics and direct business connections between producers and importers.
The agreements signed in October build on these earlier efforts, this time involving specific Kazakh companies that presented their products at the Abu Dhabi exhibition.
From natural honey to halal meat: What Kazakhstan showcased in Abu Dhabi
Kazakhstan's national Made in Kazakhstan pavilion at Global Food Week 2026 featured more than the three companies that signed agreements with LuLu.
Other participating businesses included Nurel Product, Alan i K, Shabyt LLP / Speranza and Qazaq Gourmet.
The country's exhibition showcased a broad range of food and agricultural products, including natural honey, cereals, grains, processed fruit products, beverages, fresh beef and lamb, and halal meat products.
The exhibition gave Kazakh businesses an opportunity to present their products directly to international buyers and establish contacts for potential export partnerships.
However, only SBK Company, Brand Kazakhstan and NEW Energy Drink were reported to have signed cooperation agreements with LuLu.
No agreements between the retailer and the other participating companies were announced in the information provided.
QazTrade wants exhibition deals to turn into actual exports
QazTrade Deputy Director General Ainur Amirbekova emphasized that participation in international trade exhibitions should deliver tangible commercial results for Kazakh businesses.
"For us, it is important that Kazakh companies' participation in international exhibitions produces concrete commercial results. Product presentations must be followed by systematic engagement with potential buyers, alignment with retail chains' requirements, and preparation for actual deliveries. Our manufacturers' readiness to cooperate with LuLu is an important step in this direction. Our task is to support businesses throughout the process, from entering foreign markets to establishing sustainable export channels," Amirbekova said.
Working with major retail chains gives Kazakh manufacturers access to established sales channels in overseas markets.
But attracting potential buyers with product samples is only the beginning.
Companies must agree on product ranges, meet retailers' standards and establish supply arrangements that are commercially viable for both sides.
For Kazakh exporters, these requirements will determine whether initial agreements can develop into long-term business relationships.
When will Kazakh products appear in UAE supermarkets?
No official timeline has been announced for the three companies' products to reach LuLu shelves.
The expected shipment volumes, financial value of the agreements and specific stores that may stock the products have also not been disclosed.
It would therefore be premature to describe the agreements as completed entry into the UAE retail market.
Nevertheless, Kazakhstan already has experience working with LuLu, while negotiations over recent years indicate continued interest in expanding food trade between the two sides.
Earlier, we covered Kazakhstan's discussions with the founder of LuLu Group International during Gulfood 2026 in Dubai. The talks addressed expanding agricultural exports, attracting investment and developing long-term partnerships.
The commercial outcome of the latest agreements now depends on whether the three Kazakh companies can finalize retail terms and move from negotiations to actual shipments.
For now, the key questions remain unanswered: when Kazakh honey, food products and energy drinks will reach LuLu stores, and how much of that merchandise the retailer will ultimately stock.
