LuLu Group European Sourcing Division

LuLu Group European Sourcing Division, known as Y International Italia, is the sourcing and food processing division of the globally recognized LuLu Group International, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Launched officially in 2023, the division operates a state-of-the-art sourcing, food processing, storage, packaging, and export hub located at the World Trade Center Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy. This facility serves as a critical logistical and operational center facilitating the procurement and export of premium Italian and regional European food products.

The hub primarily focuses on high-quality Italian food categories such as various cheeses, chocolates, fruit jams, sweet and puff pastries, organic pasta, infused extra-virgin olive oil, and sea salt, sourced from well-known Italian brands. It also handles a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables including apples, grapes, kiwis, and olives. These products are processed and exported mainly to LuLu Group’s extensive retail network, comprising over 255 hypermarkets across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The division’s strategic role is to ensure uninterrupted supply and competitive pricing for the Middle Eastern and other international markets, bolstering food security by eliminating intermediaries. This initiative aligns with LuLu Group’s broader strategy of establishing global sourcing and processing units. Employment created by this hub is modest, estimated in the range of 20 to 49 employees, primarily involved in operational and logistical tasks. The turnover attributed specifically to the Italian sourcing division is estimated between 5 to 10 million euros as part of the group’s goal to export food products worth around 200 million euros over two years, across multiple European facilities.

LuLu Group International, the parent company, is a diversified international retailer and conglomerate founded by Yusuff Ali M.A., with annual revenues exceeding 7 billion USD and employing over 65,000 people worldwide. The Italian sourcing division complements the group’s presence in Europe and supports its hypermarket operations by sourcing and exporting local and regional food products, thereby enhancing trade relations between Italy and the Middle East. The LuLu Group European Sourcing Division in Italy is recognized for its modern infrastructure and strategic location, fostering stable supply chains and promoting Italian food brands in international markets.