UK kebab industry launches its first trade association Sector unveils the Kebab Alliance The UK kebab industry, which generates some £2.8bn every year, has established it’s first-ever trade body to represent the sector’s interests - the Kebab Alliance. Chair of the Alliance is Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the British Kebab Awards, restaurateur, and current Chair of the British Takeaway Campaign.
T
he Kebab Alliance will promote the industry and represent its interests with government and regulators. It will also play a key role in educating consumers about kebabs and
Unilever, commented: “Not only are kebabs delicious,
changing stereotypical perceptions of the industry and its
the sector contributes significantly to local communities
cuisine.
and economies. Kebab entrepreneurs are increasingly
Founding members of the Association include Just Eat,
modernising what they have to offer, bringing the cuisine
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Hellmann’s, all major suppliers
to a new generation of consumers, and we are delighted
to the kebab sector.
that our products can play a part in this ongoing success.”
Said Dogus: “Kebabs are the fourth most popular takeaway in Britain but this major food sector has never before benefitted from a collective voice. With the
The Kebab Alliance will concentrate its activities on five key areas including:
challenges we all face today, from the pandemic to new
• championing the healthy, nutritional benefits of kebabs;
international trading relationships, it is vital that we work
• upholding the tradition of skilled, quality kebab-making;
together. There has therefore never been a better time to
• promoting best-in-class standards across the industry;
launch the Kebab Alliance: a true representative of the
• ensuring a seamless, sustainable and ethical supply
British kebab industry and its positive role in communities around the country.”
chain; • advocating an appropriate regulatory landscape.
Matt Bushby, Marketing Director at Just Eat, added: “Kebabs are a perennial favourite of the Just Eat customer
Members will include industry suppliers, fine-dining
and we’ve been working with the UK kebab industry since
restaurants and takeaways, as well as service providers.
our inception. We are a long-standing supporter of the
There are currently around 17,000 kebab outlets in the
Great British Kebab Awards, which recognises excellence
UK, supporting around 200,000 jobs. The kebab industry
within the industry but the launch of the Kebab Alliance
is one of the most inclusive food sectors in the UK, with
will help give a significant additional boost to the sector,
many employees of Kurdish, Turkish, Greek, Lebanese and
by raising its profile amongst consumers and championing
Armenian backgrounds.
the healthy, nutritional benefits of kebabs. Horacio Cal, UK Off Premise & E-Comm Director at 41
Fastfood Professional • April and May 2021
For more information on the Kebab Alliance, please visit https://www.kebaballiance.co.uk/ April and May 2021 • Fastfood Professional
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