Leading UK supermarket group Waitrose has entered into a licensing agreement with Fine Fare Food Market (FFFM) to open a store at The Lagoon, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain.

This will be the group's third store outside of the UK with two stores operating successfully in the UAE - Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall.

The store, on an area of 2,060 sqm, will offer an assortment of Waitrose branded products as well as locally sourced products to meet the needs of the Bahrain customers.

Waitrose at The Lagoon will only sell certified Halal food in the main store arena. A fully-functional scratch bakery, interactive butchery and fishmongers and a market-style fresh fruit and vegetable area will underscore the Waitrose commitment to freshness.

The store will also sell a selected range of John Lewis non-food products.

'The Lagoon at Amwaj Islands is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and innovative retail developments in the region and we are delighted to be represented there,' said FFFM property manager Patrick Lawrence.

'The Waitrose store has been designed to embrace the ambience of Waitrose while catering for the specific needs of the local communities. We will offer a wide range of fresh foods and groceries as well as dedicated delicatessen, meat, fish and cheese counters.'

'We are delighted to have Waitrose here at the Lagoon Bahrain,' said Lagoon Bahrain general manager Fahad Rafeah.

'Bahrain residents generally and Amwaj residents specifically will have a gourmet store at their convenience catering to their needs.'-TradeArabia News Service