UAE-based fresh food retailer Spinneys is advancing its regional growth strategy by reaching a strategic joint venture with Kuwait-headquartered franchise operator Alshaya Group.
This development marks Spinneys’ entry into a fourth Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market.
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Spinneys will hold a 51% controlling stake in the joint venture.
Under the partnership, Spinneys will oversee the operation and management of the stores, with plans to establish ten locations in Kuwait.
The inaugural store is anticipated to open in 2026.
Spinneys chief executive officer Sunil Kumar said: “We are delighted to announce our entry into Kuwait, as a part of the Strategic Middle East expansion plan, a significant milestone in our strategy to bring Spinneys’ premium fresh food offering to more customers. Kuwait is a high potential market and presents strong growth opportunities for us.”
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By GlobalData“While the UAE remains the core of our operations, we are committed to expanding our regional footprint in a way that stays true to our brand values and proposition. The first store under the joint venture is expected to open in 2026, paving the way for a long and successful presence in the Kuwaiti market,” Kumar added.
Spinneys’ regional expansion strategy continues to showcase its growth across the GCC.
Spinneys has increased its overall gross selling area by opening 12 new stores in the UAE and two additional locations in Saudi Arabia from April 2024 to August 2025.
In the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, Spinneys reported sales of Dh815m ($221.89m), a 10.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Its first half of 2025 revenue was up 13.7% to Dh1.8bn.
Alshaya Group chief executive officer John Hadden said: “Kuwait is a dynamic market with a strong appetite for premium offerings, and we believe Spinneys’ proven brand and operational excellence will resonate strongly with local consumers.
“This joint venture brings together both companies deep local expertise across the GCC and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality and fresh offering to the discerning customer in Kuwait.”
