Middle East crisis: Yusuff Ali-led Lulu Group airlifts 50 tonnes of fresh vegetables from Kochi

Amid ongoing supply chain concerns due to the Middle East crisis, Lulu Group has stepped up operations to maintain food availability in the Gulf, sending large shipments of fresh produce and monitoring supply chains directly.

Special flights carry tens of tonnes of vegetables

On Wednesday, a Boeing 777 operated by Kuwait Airways departed Cochin International Airport for Kuwait carrying 50 tonnes of fresh vegetables. The flight had no passengers, operating solely as a cargo service. The produce was sourced directly from local farmers through Lulu’s Fair Exports division to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Lulu Group has also been operating similar flights and vessels to the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to maintain uninterrupted supply and prevent price increases. Yusuff Ali, chairman of Lulu Group, confirmed that stocks across all Lulu stores are sufficient and prices remain stable.

Larger airlift operations support Gulf supplies

Earlier, Lulu Group arranged a freighter operated by Etihad Airways to bring around 80,000 kilograms of fruits and vegetables from India to Abu Dhabi. The shipment was part of a wider effort to maintain supermarket stock despite regional air transport disruptions.

Over the past weeks, Lulu Group has arranged more than 100 aircraft shipments from multiple countries. These flights and cargo operations are designed to keep highly perishable items such as fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, cheese, rice, pulses, and frozen foods moving quickly to supermarkets.

Chairman inspects stores personally

Yusuff Ali recently made an unannounced visit to a Lulu hypermarket in Dubai Silicon Oasis. He inspected stock levels across fresh, chilled, and frozen sections, asking staff about items running low and restocking needs.

Ali emphasised that no shortages exist and prices remain steady. The visit coincided with official reassurances from UAE authorities that essential goods are plentiful, with strong reserves in place and no signs of disruption.