Specialists and officials in the retail sector have reported that several outlets are currently working to expand supply contracts with local farms, aiming to increase the availability of various types of vegetables and fruits, including organic ones, in markets and stores. They told "Emirates Today" that locally produced vegetables are in high demand, especially organic ones, due to their high quality and suitable prices compared to imported counterparts. This has motivated many retail outlets to strengthen their existing contracts with local farms and give priority to their products in displays to enhance their market presence. They also noted that the demand for local vegetables has increased by over 40% since the beginning of 2026 compared to the same period last year. In detail, the CEO of "Cooperative Union", Mohamed Al Hashemi, stated that "the cooperative is currently developing plans to expand its contracts with local farms and increase the availability of its products in various Cooperative outlets in Dubai markets in the coming period." He explained that the cooperative currently has supply contracts with about 36 local farms, including conventional, organic, and hydroponic farms, while it is in discussions with around 300 other local farms to select new ones and increase supply rates. Al Hashemi confirmed that local products are distinguished by high quality and suitable prices, which continuously drives up consumer demand, and that expanding the availability of these products enhances national food security and acts as a safety valve against any future changes or conditions. Meanwhile, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at "Cooperative of Sharjah", Faisal Al Naboodah, confirmed that the cooperative's administration has recently worked on expanding supply contracts with local farms and increasing quantities in various branches, noting that the number of contracted farms has increased from about 100 to 120, covering various types of vegetables. Al Naboodah stated that "Cooperative of Sharjah" gives priority and preference to promoting the products of Emirati farms, facilitating their marketing and providing suitable display windows through streamlined procedures. He added that local farm products, especially organic ones, are in high demand due to their quality and competitive prices compared to imported goods. He also mentioned that the cooperative organizes an annual meeting for local farmers to support a sustainable food system focused on boosting domestic production and relying on local resources. In turn, the Head of Corporate Communications at the "Lulu Commercial Group", Nanda Kumar, reported that the group is increasingly expanding its contracts with local farms and implementing policies that grant a clear promotional priority to these products, distinguishing them in the produce and fruit sections with signage indicating they are from local farms. He confirmed that local products enjoy suitable quality and prices, which significantly boosts demand, especially for organic varieties. In the same context, the CEO of the retail sector at "Adcoob Group", Bertrand Lome, stated that the group is working to provide fresh local goods in its outlets, especially vegetables, as part of its commitment to supporting farmers in the UAE and enhancing sustainable food security. The Head of Purchasing at one of the retail chains, Dilip Vishal, confirmed that the demand for local vegetables has increased by over 40% since the beginning of 2026 compared to the same period last year, particularly organic products, which account for a large share of demand due to growing consumer confidence in their quality and prices compared to imported goods. He confirmed that there is a general market trend to strengthen contracts with local farms to provide diverse products at competitive prices and high quality. Retail affairs expert Ibrahim Al Baher stated that various types of vegetables from local farms account for a large share of demand in markets due to increasing consumer interest. He confirmed that the expansion of stores' contracts with local farms to provide additional marketing outlets is one of the most positive initiatives that support local farms and enhance their market presence.
