SPAR, one of the world’s largest food store retailers based in Netherlands, said it has signed an agreement with Khimji Ramdas, a leading business conglomerate in Oman, to open nine new supermarkets across the Sultanate before the end of 2016.

A global retail chain with 12,500 stores in 35 countries worldwide, SPAR International has partnered with Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (Adcoops) for its Middle East entry and expansion.

Together they have already licensed key partners QNIE a leading distributor in Qatar and BMI a major Investment and Management Company in Lebanon.

The first SPAR supermarkets is due to open in Doha and Beirut next year, said a senior official.

Dr Gordon Campbell, the managing director, SPAR International said the retailer was targeting the Middle East region for growth in 2014.

"We are delighted to add Khimji Ramdas to our network of prestigious partners in the Middle East. With the combined knowledge and support of SPAR, Adcoops and Khimji Ramdas, SPAR will expand rapidly in Oman," said Dr Campbell at the signing in Muscat.

Georges Mojica, the general manager of Adcoops said: “Khimji Ramdas will be an excellent partner in Oman. We plan to open 9 SPAR supermarkets with 10,000 sq m sales area by the end of 2016."

"The SPAR stores will provide high quality fresh foods combined with a wide selection of products, excellent service and good value. They will be a new benchmark for supermarket shopping in Oman," he added.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nailesh Khimji, the director of Khimji Ramdas said SPAR as a brand had best global practices and strong positioning.

"Khimji’s Mart – the retail arm of Khimji Ramdas being the largest chain of supermarkets in Oman with a strong retailing experience of over two decades fits in as the right partner for SPAR in Oman," he noted.

M Sridhar, CEO, Consumer Products Group, Khimji Ramdas said: "The success of Khimji Ramdas and SPAR will be built on uncompromising and sustainable values, that we share and have endured the test of time. We will endeavour to deliver superior products and service to our shoppers across the country."

"While delighting shoppers with our design, layout and offerings will be our aim, we will continue to work closely with our valued suppliers to bring this to reality.  We look forward to serving our shopper more completely every day," he noted.

Dr Campbell said SPAR International and Adcoops have set up ambitious plans to develop the SPAR multi-format retail strategy throughout the region. The duo has identified an opportunity for SPAR to take a leading role in the food retail market in the Middle East.

In the initial development phase, Adcoops has already opened in the Abu Dhabi region a flagship for each format: SPAR Hypermarket, supermarket, and the SPAR Express convenience store, each of which has their own distinct customer offer.

The next stage of development will see the opening of 5 more SPAR supermarkets in the Abu Dhabi region next year, said the company statement.

SPAR has members in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Zambia, Zimbabwe, it added.-TradeArabia News Service