DUBAI (ALETIHAD)

Spinneys, the leading premium fresh food retailer, has announced its entry into Kuwait through a joint venture with Alshaya Group, marking its expansion into a fourth GCC market as part of its regional growth strategy.

Under the agreement, Spinneys will hold a 51% controlling stake in the venture and will operate and manage the stores. Ten stores are planned in Kuwait, with the first outlet expected to open in 2026.

The company described the move as a natural evolution in its journey to become the region’s premium fresh food grocery brand of choice.

Sunil Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Spinneys, 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.

"Our joint venture with Alshaya Group, a highly experienced regional partner who shares our values and ambition, provides a solid foundation for a successful entry and long-term scale. 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.”

John Hadden, Chief Executive Officer of Alshaya Group, added: “We are excited to be partnering with Spinneys on this exciting new chapter, bringing a much loved and recognised brand to our customers. 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.”

Spinneys has been expanding its regional footprint in recent years. Between April 2024 and August 2025, it opened twelve new stores in the UAE and two in Saudi Arabia, significantly increasing its gross selling area. The new partnership with Alshaya in Kuwait represents the next stage in its growth pipeline.

Founded in 1961 with its first grocery in Dubai’s Al Nasr Square, Spinneys has grown into the region’s leading premium fresh food retailer with 86 stores across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, including Waitrose outlets.

Alshaya Group, established in Kuwait in 1890, is one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators with a portfolio of more than 70 international brands and over 4,000 outlets across the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye and Europe.