United States-based gourmet food chain Balducci's will open its doors for the first time in the Middle East this year in phase one of Dubai Mall.
Two more outlets are set to open in Dubai – and Balducci's and partner Nakheel Retail plan to expand their operations into further locations throughout the region.
Balducci's is one of the largest speciality food companies in the US with 10 stores on the East Coast and a heritage that dates back to 1916. The retailer's focus will be on providing fresh and exotic products that are not easily found in Dubai as well as its own goods.
The range will include imported cheeses, seasonal vegetables, freshly made soups and speciality sandwiches.
"Nakheel has a policy to partner with the best brands in the world and Balducci's is no exception," said Graham Dreverman, Nakheel Retail Group Managing Director. "Balducci's brings with it an outstanding reputation and we are extremely pleased to have entered into this partnership bringing culinary and shopping excellence to the Middle East."
The stores will be run by Nakheel Retail Food and Beverage, one of four integrated retail divisions within Nakheel Retail.
Barbara Parasco, Balducci's CEO, 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."
She said Nakheel's aim was to make the food and beverage unit the largest and most diverse operator of its kind in the UAE within five years. (Wam)