Spinneys has announced a joint venture with Alshaya Group to enter the Kuwaiti retail market, marking its presence in a fourth GCC country. Under the agreement, Spinneys will hold a 51% majority stake and oversee operations of the new stores.
The first store is expected to open in 2026, with plans to launch a total of ten stores in Kuwait over the coming years.
Focus on premium grocery
Known for its premium fresh food offerings, Spinneys aims to meet the demands of Kuwait’s affluent consumer base. The country, currently the fourth-largest economy in the GCC, offers a strong retail opportunity due to high disposable income levels.
Sunil Kumar, Chief Executive Officer at 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.”
Alshaya Group, one of the region’s leading brand franchise operators, brings extensive local market experience to the partnership.
John Hadden, Chief Executive Officer at Alshaya Group, said: “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.”
Recent growth in GCC
Between April 2024 and August 2025, Spinneys opened twelve new stores in the UAE and two in Saudi Arabia. The upcoming expansion into Kuwait is part of its ongoing regional growth strategy aimed at scaling its premium grocery presence across the Gulf.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
