Candelite Aims to Roll Out Nearly 50 Outlets across Region in One Year

Dubai-UAE: 11 September, 2011 - Landmark Group, the region's leading retail and hospitality conglomerate, continues to diversify its presence in the retailing sector with the launch of Candelite, a first-of-its-kind confectionery and savoury concept in the Middle East.

Poised to expand its presence in the region with an investment of over US$100million, Candelite aims to open nearly 50 small and large format outlets in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia by 2012.

Since the launch of Candelite's first store in February 2011, the US$3.8 billion Landmark Group has rolled out four large-format stores covering a total retail space of over 12,000 sq. feet. The confectionery concept store has a presence in its large format at the Ibn Battuta Mall and Mirdif City Centre in Dubai, as well as Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi and Ajman City Centre. These are complemented by three shop-in-shop layouts at Sharjah Airport, Iconic at Deira City Centre and Fun City at Bawadi Mall. Additionally, Candelite operates two large kiosks at Oasis Centre, Dubai, and Centrepoint Breakwaters Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi.

Vipen Sethi, CEO, Landmark Group, said: "Our decision to develop and invest in the confectionery and savoury concept comes from the need to fill a gap in the market and bring premium global brands that offer exceptional value for money. The Landmark Group is leveraging its solid retail strength to organize and realise the business potential of this dynamic sector in the region. Candelite is our unique treat to the Middle East consumer and we are confident it will evolve as the preferred choice across all age groups."

Candelite is divided into eight distinct sections, offering over 2,000 products of 65 popular brands from over 18 countries. The sections include Kiddy Delites, Funky Treats, No-Guilt Options, Classic Delites, Gourmet Room, Snackin' Around, Gifts Galore and Chill Out Zone.

The 'Gourmet Room' houses artisan chocolates, as well as exotic handmade and organic products such as Rococo and Divan, and the UAE's signature camel milk chocolates.

The 'No-Guilt Options' section boasts a selection of sugar-free, organic, gluten-free, low-calorie and all-natural products. Brands featured within the section are put through a series of stringent laboratory tests by their manufacturers and certified by regulatory authorities for nutritional value. The range represents almost 10-12 per cent of the collection in the store.

Explaining the rationale behind the brand's product range, Jani Viswanath, Business Head, Candelite, said: "Extensive research of the confectionery and snack industry has gone into the making of Candelite. We aim to cater to the eclectic choices of the multicultural palate that defines the Middle East region. We have selectively identified brands and products that are healthy, nutritious and offer unmatched taste."

The Candelite store aims to draw in a wide genre of consumers to include children, teenagers, gourmet chocoholics and savoury snack-lovers. Price-points range from a modest AED3 - AED300. Exotic Turkish delight, gourmet biscuits from France, unique snack mixes from the US comprise some of its choicest delights. The store additionally offers an extensive range of sugar free, all-natural, organic and vegetarian products.

-Ends-

About Candelite
Candelite is a confectionery and savoury concept launched by Landmark Group in 2011. It offers an extensive range of world class products for all age groups. Its large format stores span up to 4,000 square feet housing over 2,000 products and 65 brands, sourced from across 18 countries including the US, Canada, Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Austria, France, Germany, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, Switzerland, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Greece, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Mall

Location

Telephone

Mirdif City Centre

South East Walk

04-2840175

Ibn Battuta Mall

China Court

04-3631602

Mushrif Mall

Second Floor

02-6500862

Ajman City Centre

Ground Floor

06-7414173

For further information, please contact:
Mathilda Saad
APCO Worldwide
(JiWin Public Relations)
Direct: +9714 361 3879            
Mobile: +97155 699 9890         
Fax: +9714 388 8001                                            
Email: msaad@apcoworldwide.com

Rishi Talwalker      
APCO Worldwide
(JiWin Public Relations)
Direct: +9714 361 3572                 
Mobile: +97150 911 0865               
Fax: +9714 388 8001                                 
Email: rtalwalker@apcoworldwide.com

© Press Release 2011