Healthy Living celebrates retail and food sector partners driving healthier choices across Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Farms Group, Carrefour and talabat have been recognised for commitments to reshape the food environment and make nutritious options more accessible to residents
Abu Dhabi’s Healthy Living movement has acknowledged three significant partners for their contributions to creating an environment where healthier choices become the natural preference for residents across the emirate. The initiative recognises Al Ain Farms Group, Carrefour and talabat for implementing meaningful changes across their operations.
Al Ain Farms Group has committed to reducing added sugar by between 10 and 20 per cent across selected products from both Al Ain Farms and Marmum Dairy. The phased reformulation programme encompasses juices, flavoured milk, yoghurt and laban, whilst maintaining the naturally occurring sugars found in milk and fruit. This measured approach allows the business to preserve taste and quality whilst supporting healthier consumption patterns.
Carrefour has become the first retailer in Abu Dhabi to implement the Responsible Supermarket Placement Standards across all applicable stores ahead of the mandatory compliance deadline of 1 January 2027. Products high in fat, sugar and salt have been repositioned away from high-traffic impulse areas, whilst healthier alternatives receive enhanced visibility. The retailer continues to make the complete range of products available in standard aisles, preserving customer choice whilst making nutritious options easier to identify.
talabat has refreshed its talabat mart platform to increase the prominence of healthier products. Home screens, checkout areas and dedicated swim lanes now highlight nutritious alternatives, whilst the platform continues to introduce smart-swap suggestions and seasonal wellbeing campaigns.
Dr Ahmed AlKhazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, emphasised the importance of collaborative action: “Businesses shape the products people buy, the places they shop and the services they use every day, which makes them essential partners in creating healthier environments.” He noted that supporting healthier communities and business prosperity are complementary objectives rather than competing ones.
Hassan Safi, Group CEO of Al Ain Farms Group, stated: “As a trusted UAE food producer, we have a responsibility to keep improving the products families enjoy every day. Through this initiative and our collaboration with Healthy Living, we are taking practical steps to make healthier choices more accessible.”
Dries D’Hooghe, Managing Director of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, remarked: “The choices people make every day are shaped, in part, by the environments around them. Our early adoption of Abu Dhabi’s Responsible Supermarket Placement Standards reflects our belief that responsible retail, great customer experiences and positive societal impact can go hand in hand.”
Toon Gyssels, CEO at talabat, added: “Abu Dhabi has set out a clear vision for a healthier community, and we wanted talabat to be part of bringing this vision to life.”
Healthy Living continues to work across the places where people live, learn, work, shop and connect, supporting businesses that contribute to improved population health and Abu Dhabi’s sustained prosperity.
Source: WAM