There’s hardly a Dubai dweller who hasn’t heard of or used Kibsons to save the day with a wide variety of fresh produce, delivered fast to your doorstep. They’ve certainly been responsible for many a soup, curry and salad in the Home Club ME headquarters, pleasing the palette of even the fussiest of eaters. And although they’ve been in operation for over three decades here in the UAE, it wasn’t until 2016, that Kibsons became a household name.

In this interview, we speak to Halima Jumani, the Director of Operations asking hot-topic questions about the company’s sustainability practices and growing Vegan product lines.

Above: Halima Jumani, Director of Operations of Kibsons

Tell our readers about your life before Kibsons?

I’ve been at Kibsons for 20 years; not sure I can remember life before that? 

How did you start your journey with Kibsons home deliveries and what was the initial reaction from consumers?

Kibsons home deliveries is a story of disruptive innovation, that started when we decided to share our premium fresh produce at amazingly low wholesale prices within a limited circle of extended family and friends – literally on an excel spreadsheet. The response and feedback was so overwhelming that we found ourselves on a track of growth and development ever since.

Talk our readers through your offerings at Kibsons and the process of ordering online?

In addition to a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish & poultry we also offer dairy, bakery, pantry, drinks and several healthy gifting options. Our goal is to keep things simple and we try to reflect this through every touchpoint of our customer journey, starting with a straightforward and hassle-free online ordering platform. Most importantly, our picking team makes sure that they physically select each item of produce with care and attention, just as you might have done yourself if buying at a supermarket. Except much fresher, thanks to our amazing cold chain infrastructure.

Do Kibsons work with and support local farmers?

We definitely believe in supporting local farmers and new established start-ups and brands in the region. Our “proudly local” category showcases a wide range of locally harvested fresh produce and other brands available to the consumer. This is also a great opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet -I guess, every effort adds up.

With regards to your carbon footprint, what are Kibsons doing to reduce their plastic usage? Do you have any recycling programmes available for your boxes?

We currently recycle more than 90% of all plastic within Kibsons. In addition to recycling our boxes, we also collect plastic for an organisation (eco.ae) that uses plastic to build amazing outdoor furniture. You can visit our website to read more about our sustainable initiatives.  

We noticed that you have increased your line of vegan and veggie add ons? Have you personally seen a marked increase in the demand for vegan and vegetarian products?

During 2019, Kibsons has seen a growth of more than 150% in our vegan products.  Interestingly, consumption of celery has increased by more than 100% and kale by more than 450% which is a huge statement of the ever-growing healthy eating trend.

Any exciting 2020 plans on the horizon for Kibsons?

We are working on some exciting expansion plans to bring more convenience, health and value to our loyal customers so please stay tuned.

Let’s face it. Everyone loves a bargain and special promo. Do you have any current offers our readers should keep an eye out for?

Honestly, our loyalty program that offers up to 15% discount on fruits, veggies and meat to platinum members (and 10% to gold members) is a great way to save even more on our already amazingly low prices. Our customers can now log on to their Kibsons app and check out their total extra savings with Kibsons by going to “My Wallet” and looking into their “Mini-Statement”.

Lastly, we must ask, what is your favourite fruit and vegetable? 😉

Hahaha! Can it be anything else but the coveted cherry!?