UMAMI sends 1st commercial shipment to LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar

See the statement below from Guyanese agro-processor, UMAMI Incorporated:

In a proud milestone for Guyanese manufacturing and agro-processing, UMAMI Incorporated’s first container shipment to LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar has officially sailed from Guyana, coinciding with the commencement of Agriculture Month 2026.

The shipment follows UMAMI’s official market launch in Doha last month and marks the transition from introduction to sustained commercial trade.

More significantly, it represents a Guyanese brand, manufactured in Guyana by Guyanese workers, carrying the country’s name and productive capability into an important international market.

For UMAMI, the shipment reflects a broader national opportunity: to transform Guyana’s agricultural resources into higher-value manufactured products, build internationally recognized brands and create new markets for Guyanese enterprise.

H.E President Irfaan Ali, in welcoming the development noted that this shipment is significant because it represents the conversion of opportunity into trade.

“We have worked deliberately to build the bridges between Guyana, Qatar and the wider Gulf region; the task before our private sector now is to increase the traffic across those bridges. UMAMI’s first commercial shipment demonstrates what is possible when Guyanese manufacturers invest in quality, standards, capacity and ambition, and when strong international partners such as LuLu provide a platform for our products to reach new consumers. Every container that leaves our shores carrying value-added products strengthens Brand Guyana, creates opportunities for our farmers and workers, and advances our country’s transition from a producer of primary commodities to a competitive manufacturing and export economy.” 

LuLu — AN IMPORTANT PARTNER IN GUYANA’S EXPORT JOURNEY

UMAMI expressed its sincere appreciation to LuLu Group for the confidence it has placed in a Guyanese manufacturer and for providing the company with a platform to reach consumers in Qatar. The company views the relationship as the beginning of a long-term partnership and believes the opportunity demonstrates what can be achieved when international retailers, government, diplomacy and private enterprise work together to create new markets.

Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Global Director of LuLu Group, said: “It is an honor for LuLu Group to partner with UMAMI and support the introduction of this pioneering product from Guyana to the Qatar market. We are truly impressed by the world-class quality of UMAMI’s products and the dedication behind the brand. This first commercial shipment represents more than a trade milestone; it reflects the growing opportunities for collaboration between Guyana and the Gulf region. We are proud to provide a platform for outstanding products such as UMAMI to reach consumers in Qatar, and we look forward to building a strong and enduring partnership that supports the continued growth of Guyanese exports.”

“THE FIRST OF MANY”

Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, described the shipment as an important breakthrough for Guyanese manufacturing.

“This represents the first of many containers of Guyanese-produced products which is destined for the Gulf. This is a significant breakthrough and credit must be given to H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali for the progressive policies of his Government in creating an enabling investment climate that caters for the need of indigenous industries.”

Ambassador Shadood also highlighted the role of economic diplomacy in creating new opportunities for Guyanese businesses.

“The Guyana Embassy in Qatar was also influential via economic diplomacy through its relentless efforts in ensuring that the Qatari market buys into Guyanese-produced goods.”

He encouraged other export-ready Guyanese manufacturers to pursue the opportunities now available.

“Other Guyanese manufacturers who have attained the necessary requirements to enter into the Middle East markets are also encouraged to take advantage of this opening that has been created.” 

A FITTING AGRICULTURE MONTH MILESTONE

The timing of the shipment at the start of Agriculture Month gives the achievement particular significance. UMAMI believes Guyana’s agricultural development must increasingly extend beyond primary production to include processing, manufacturing, branding and exports. Agriculture provides the foundation. Manufacturing adds value. Branding creates identity. Exporting opens the world.

UMAMI Managing Director Chris Persaud said: “There is a special sense of pride in seeing a container leave Guyana knowing that what is inside was manufactured here, by Guyanese people, and will ultimately carry our country’s name onto international supermarket shelves.”

Persaud said the company is especially grateful to LuLu for providing UMAMI with the opportunity to establish itself in the Gulf market. “LuLu has given a Guyanese manufacturer an opportunity on an international platform. We value that confidence enormously and intend to honor it through quality, consistency and a strong long-term partnership.”

OPENING THE DOOR FOR GUYANA

UMAMI hopes its entry into Qatar will help create opportunities for other Guyanese manufacturers capable of meeting international regulatory, food safety, production and packaging requirements.

The company said its objective is not simply to celebrate an inaugural shipment, but to establish a sustainable export programme and build a permanent presence for Guyanese-made products in Qatar and the wider Gulf region.

UMAMI extended its sincere appreciation to LuLu Group and its leadership, the Embassy of Guyana in Qatar, the Government of Guyana, its employees, farmers, suppliers, customers and partners who contributed to reaching this milestone. The company also thanked Guyanese consumers whose support at home provided the foundation for its international expansion.

As the first commercial shipment begins its journey to Qatar, UMAMI said it carries a simple message: PROUDLY MADE IN GUYANA, READY FOR THE WORLD.