European Supermarkets Cater to Ramadan Demand
Supermarkets across Europe are significantly expanding their product offerings to cater to the growing demand during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which began this week and continues through March 19. This increased focus on specialized products reflects a growing recognition of the purchasing power and preferences of Muslim consumers.
Lidl is reintroducing its “1001 Oriental Products” line in all stores, featuring items such as dates, baklava, and Turkish breads. Jumbo is also broadening its assortment, adding staples like dates, condensed milk, and even ZamZam water sourced directly from Mecca, according to reports from AGF.nl. The move by Jumbo to offer ZamZam water is particularly noteworthy, signaling a heightened effort to meet specific religious needs.
Beyond product offerings, some Jumbo locations are organizing iftar, the traditional breaking of the fast, for their employees. Albert Heijn is featuring a dedicated Ramadan assortment and recipes in its Allerhande publication, while Aldi is taking a more limited approach with a small-scale “Orient” theme. Hoogvliet is not only expanding its Ramadan offerings but also its overall ethnic food selection throughout the year, in collaboration with supplier Alla Marca Food, as detailed in Distrifood.
The trend extends beyond the Netherlands, with retailers in other European countries also adjusting their inventories. In the UAE, Jumbo Electronics is leveraging the Ramadan period with significant savings and a chance to win a Jetour Dashing car, as part of a campaign titled “Ramadan Kareem – Moments that Bring us Together,” running until March 12, 2026. A Jumbo Electronics spokesperson stated, “Ramadan is traditionally a peak home-upgrade period, and customers actively gaze for value across key categories. With this campaign we are combining strong price benefits, easy exchange options and the excitement of winning a Jetour Dashing car, so every purchase feels more rewarding.” Hashtag Dubai reported.
Demand for traditional Ramadan staples like rice, dates, and baklava is reportedly high, with retailers in cities like Middelburg experiencing a surge in sales, according to Omroep Zeeland. This increased retail activity underscores the growing economic significance of catering to the needs of Muslim communities during this important religious period.
