Balducci's to enter Middle East market

Dubai: Property developer Nakheel on Monday said it has entered into a partnership with leading US food retailer Balducci's to open the company's first stores in the Middle East.

In conjunction with Nakheel Retail, Balducci's will open its doors for the first time later this year in Phase 1 of Dubai Mall, with two more stores scheduled to open in key locations in Dubai to be announced at the end of the year.

In addition, Nakheel and Balducci's plan to expand into other locations throughout the Middle East.

Graham Dreverman, group managing director for Nakheel Retail said: "Nakheel has a policy to partner with the best brands in the world and Balducci's is no exception. Balducci's bring with them an outstanding reputation and we are extremely pleased to have entered into this partnership bringing such culinary and shopping excellence to the Middle East."

Barbara Parasco, Chief executive officer, Balducci's said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with Nakheel and are excited about bringing our business to consumers in Dubai. Our products appeal to a universal audience, not just Americans." The stores will be operated by Nakheel Retail Food and Beverage, one of four integrated retail divisions of Nakheel Retail, which is aimed at delivering a diverse market of cuisines from around the world to its owned restaurant concepts that will specialise in individual food types. To ensure the highest consumer standards, these concepts will be 100 per cent operated by the Food and Beverage business unit, with the intention to become the largest and most diverse operator in the UAE within five years.

Heritage: Where taste comes first

Balducci's is one of the largest speciality food companies in the United States, with 10 stores on the East Coast and a heritage that dates back to 1916.

The food retailer's focus will be on having the freshest produce and exotic products not easily found in Dubai as well as their own private label, which guarantees gourmet quality at a reasonable price.

From imported cheeses and seasonal vegetables to freshly made soups and speciality sandwiches made from the finest ingredients, Balducci's is a name that is synonymous with quality cuisine.

Balducci's Food Lover's Market is one of the largest specialty food companies in the US, with 10 stores on the East Coast, plus two locations in New York's JFK airport.

With a heritage that dates back to 1916, Balducci's is a market where taste comes first, above all else.