Eastern Reinforces Leadership as UAE’s No.1 Indian Spice Brand at Gulfood 2026

Eastern was reported as the UAE’s No. 1 Indian spice brand with highest household reach, according to the Worldpanel by Numerator Household Panel Study in UAE for MAT October 2025. While showcasing the strength and breadth of its portfolio at Gulfood 2026. The recognition underscores Eastern’s deep-rooted presence in UAE households and its continued relevance across a highly diverse consumer base. Eastern is Orkla India’s lead brand in the GCC.
At Gulfood 2026, Orkla India highlighted the scale of its GCC business through its flagship brands Eastern and MTR, presenting a wide portfolio spanning spices, spice mixes, breakfast solutions, sweets, and cooking aids. With over 400 SKUs across the region, the company continues to strengthen its position across both traditional and convenience food categories.
Commenting on the brand’s participation, Prerna Tiku, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, Orkla International Business, said:
“At Gulfood, we are showcasing the strength and breadth of our portfolio in the GCC. Eastern has a very strong presence in the region, and in fact, we are the number one Indian spice brand in the UAE by household reach, as per Kantar Worldpanel data. Alongside spices, we are also a strong player in the convenience foods segment.”
Orkla India’s GCC business, led by Eastern, has delivered cumulative growth of over 14% over the past three years, reflecting strong performance across categories and markets. To sustain this momentum, the company continues to invest in portfolio expansion, innovation, and distribution, ensuring its products remain accessible and relevant to evolving consumer needs across the region.
A key focus area for Eastern has been addressing the needs of GCC consumers through tailored offerings. The brand’s portfolio includes a specially curated Arabic spice range, developed specifically for local cooking styles and taste preferences. The Arabic segment has grown by approximately 25% over the last three years, supported by consumer-tested recipes and locally relevant communication.
Eastern is also committed to making traditional Indian and Kerala cuisine more accessible to modern, time-pressed consumers. Innovations such as the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range offer convenient solutions for preparing popular Kerala breakfast dishes, while the Madhuram sweets range simplifies the preparation of traditional payasams and Indian desserts at home. These additions sit alongside MTR’s 3-Minute Breakfast range and a growing selection of cooking aids such as coconut milk and coconut cream.
Highlighting the diversity of the region and the brand’s long-term ambition, Tiku added:
“One of the most unique aspects of the GCC markets is the diversity of consumers. You have Indian, Kerala, and Arabic consumers, along with people from many other ethnic backgrounds. Our ambition is to remain relevant across these segments by solving everyday home-cooking needs.”
Underpinning Eastern’s innovation pipeline is Orkla India’s Cuisine Centre of Excellence, where chefs work closely with consumers to study cooking habits, co-create recipes, and translate those insights into packaged food solutions through food technology and R&D. The company’s approach begins with understanding the final dish consumers want to cook, ensuring authenticity, taste, and ease of preparation.
As an organisation, Orkla India continues to champion home-cooked food, balancing tradition with convenience. Many of its products use advanced food technology to deliver quality and safety without added preservatives, supporting changing lifestyles while preserving the flavours consumers trust.
Gulfood 2026 serves as a strategic platform for Orkla India to showcase its innovation, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm its long-term commitment to the GCC markets. With strong consumer insights, locally relevant portfolios, and sustained investment in innovation and distribution, Eastern remains focused on deepening its presence across UAE and the wider region.