Supermarket chains watching public mood on Danish products

Supermarkets in Dubai have not taken Danish products off their shelves yet but those in Abu Dhabi are considering such a step as a mark of protest.

The UAE on Monday summoned Danish ambassador and lodged a protest against that government’s stance on reprinting of cartoons by the Danish Press which defames Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Summoning non-resident Danish ambassador to the UAE Hans Klingenbeg to his office, Dr Mohammed Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, delivered the protest memo to him, decrying the stance of the Danish government on reprinting of the outrageous cartoons, reported Wam.

In Dubai, only the Union Cooperative Society outlets have removed the Danish goods from their shelves. A majority of Danish food products comes in the form of dairy products and meat.

Jorge Mojica, general manager of Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, told Khaleej Times, “As of now, the board of directors has not decided to withdraw Danish products from the shelves. If such a decision is taken, we will implement it.”

“Most people are not reluctant to buy Danish goods. It also depends on the consumers whether they want to buy them or not. It should be left to their choice,” the official added.

Mohan Lakhiani, spokesperson for Choithram supermarket chain, said they were not considering removing Danish products from the shelves. “At this stage, we are not taking any steps since we have received no complaints from anyone so far. We may, however, look into the matter again if the situation warrants,” he said.

A spokesman of the Emke group who preferred not to be named said, “As of now, we have not removed the Danish products from our supermarkets. We are studying the market to get the feedback from the public. If the public demands so, we will remove them immediately. We are always devoted to the consumers and their sentiments.”

Kamal Vachani, director of Al Maya Group, said the situation was being monitored at the moment. “Till now, we have got no instructions to remove the Danish goods from the shelves. We would be initiating action as soon as we get directions,” he said.

Officials of Arla Foods, the biggest distributors of Danish food products in the UAE, said that they had not been affected in any way till now. Laureant, marketing manager of the company, said, “Earlier, the Union Cooperative Society had removed the Danish goods from the stands replacing them with some products, particularly those manufactured in Saudi Arabia. Our market has not been affected,” he said.

However, sources in the company added that they were under pressure. “There is some pressure owing to the happenings. But then it is too early to predict the turn of events. The market is being closely monitored,” added the official.