International supermarket chain Carrefour, which is also a firm favourite in many African countries, has announced the opening of its first BIO store in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The store will feature sustainable and eco-conscious wares for consumers, and the chain also promises more affordable prices.
One of the goals of the BIO store is to educate consumers about the benefits of organic produce, and to encourage greater transparency in the consumption thereof. According to Majid Al Futtaim, the parent company of the Carrefour chain, the store will also have the first Carrefour hydroponic farm.
Customers will be able to pick their fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the plant as they will have direct access to the hydroponic farm. The BIO store also offers its own house-branded goods for customers to enjoy, including cous-cous, cheese, rice cakes and eggs.
Championing healthy living
“We are honoured to have gained the support of the UAE minister of climate change and environment as we seek to champion healthy living and forge a greener future together with our government. The development of Carrefour BIO is part of our ongoing mission to elevate retail and provide our customers with more choices. Choices that can protect the interests of their health, their wallet and the environment,” the company said via a statement.
The BIO store has specifically aligned itself with the UAE government’s mission to protect its ecosystems, as well as enhance water and food security within the country.
“Our research tells us that whilst healthy eating is now a huge priority, many consumers limit organic shopping as they perceive it as a more expensive option. This is exactly what Carrefour BIO seeks to solve, offering healthier alternatives at affordable prices to ensure the well-being of the entire community. Customers can now find healthy products, make conscious decisions whilst dining out and help save the planet one recyclable bag at a time – all under one roof in Carrefour’s BIO store.”
Majid Al Futtaim, based in the United Arab Emirates, established Carrefour in 1995. It is the official franchisee for Carrefour in over 30 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and it fully owns the operations in the region. He now owns and runs over 400 Carrefour stores in 17 countries, serving over 750 000 consumers every day and employing over 37 000 people.
ALSO READ: Ethiopian, Mozambican farmers vulnerable to dangers of climate change
