Retail powerhouse LuLu Group has officially introduced two culturally-charged beverage brands, ‘Adipoli’ and ‘Malayali Habibi’, to the Middle Eastern market. Launched on the sidelines of the prestigious Gulfood 2026 exhibition, these products represent a strategic push into hyper-local branding, designed to resonate with the massive South Asian diaspora while appealing to the global tastes of the UAE.
A Fusion of Culture and Innovation
The launch marks a significant collaboration between LuLu Group and Hexagon Spirits International, a startup founded by Indian entrepreneurs based in Poland. By leveraging familiar Malayalam slang and Middle Eastern cultural cues, the brands aim to capture "curiosity-led consumption" among the millions of expatriates in the Gulf.
What is Adipoli?
Adipoli—a popular Malayalam term meaning "super" or "extraordinary"—is a tropical energy drink. Unlike traditional high-caffeine boosters, Adipoli is positioned as a health-conscious refreshment.
- Key Ingredients: Enriched with magnesium and essential vitamins.
- Benefits: Marketed to support the nervous system, boost metabolism, and maintain healthy skin and hair.
- Flavor Profile: A refreshing tropical blend designed for the hot Gulf climate.
What is Malayali Habibi?
Malayali Habibi is a premium, non-alcoholic malt beverage (0.0% ABV). The name is a playful "East-meets-West" greeting, combining the identity of Kerala natives (Malayalis) with the beloved Arabic term Habibi (my dear/friend).
- Craftsmanship: Brewed in Poland using high-quality European hops and Indian rice flakes.
- Process: Utilizes a unique vacuum evaporation method to remove alcohol while preserving the rich, malty character of a traditional brew.
Strategic Sourcing: The Poland Connection
The arrival of these drinks in the UAE is a direct result of LuLu Group’s expanding global supply chain. In late 2023, LuLu established a major logistics and sourcing hub in Poland at the Olsztyn-Mazury Airport. This facility was designed to streamline the export of European-standard products—ranging from fresh apples and cheese to innovative FMCG goods like Hexagon Spirits’ beverages—to LuLu’s 260+ hypermarkets.
Following the high-profile unveiling at Gulfood 2026, both Adipoli and Malayali Habibi are being rolled out across all LuLu stores in the UAE, with plans to expand to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. This launch coincides with LuLu Group’s broader strategy to increase its global sourcing and introduce disruptive food-tech startups to the Middle Eastern retail landscape.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q1: Are Adipoli and Malayali Habibi alcoholic?
No. Both beverages are strictly non-alcoholic. Adipoli is a vitamin-enriched energy drink, and Malayali Habibi is a 0.0% alcohol malt beverage (Halal-friendly).
Q2: Where are these drinks manufactured?
They are developed by Hexagon Spirits International and manufactured in Poland, utilizing LuLu Group’s dedicated European sourcing and logistics network.
Q3: Where can I buy them in the UAE?
The drinks are available exclusively at LuLu Hypermarkets and supermarkets across the United Arab Emirates, with online availability expected on the LuLu shopping app.
Q4: What does the name "Adipoli" mean?
"Adipoli" is a slang word from the Malayalam language (spoken in Kerala, India) that translates to "splendid," "awesome," or "super."