Furniture may be Ikea's main game, but over the years, it has become just as popular for its food offerings, thanks, in no small part, to its famous Swedish meatballs.
And plant-based Ikea fans are in for a treat, with the retailer's vegan alternative to its traditional meatballs now available at stores across the UAE.
From Sunday, November 15, Ikea stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be serving the "plant balls", which are made using yellow pea protein, oats, apples, onions and potatoes.
“We sell more than one billion meatballs every year. If we were to convert about 20 per cent of our meatball sales to plant balls, that would mean around an 8 per cent reduction of our climate footprint for the food business at Ikea,” said Sharla Halvorson, health and sustainability manager for Ikea's global food business.
“In the development phase of the plant ball, our key objective has been to recreate the meat-like taste and texture, only using plant-based ingredients. We have tried and tested different ingredients and methods and we are very pleased with the final results,” said Alexander Magnusson, chef and project leader at Ikea food.
The plant balls follow a plant-based hotdog launched by Ikea in 2018, which has become a firm favourite with shoppers around the world.
It looks as though it will be a big week for Ikea in the UAE, as the furniture giant will open its second store in the capital.
Opening at Al Wahda Mall on Wednesday, November 18, Abu Dhabi’s new Ikea will be the first in the centre of the city, and will be spread across 2,100 square metres on the first floor of the shopping centre.
It will join Ikea's Yas Island branch, as well as its newest UAE store at Dubai's Festival Plaza, which became the biggest store in the region when it opened its doors in December.
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Inside Abu Dhabi's newest Ikea store:
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Finishing touches being made to the new Ikea store at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National -
The store is set to open on Wednesday, November 18. Victor Besa / The National -
The new Ikea store will be the first in the centre of the city. Victor Besa / The National -
The new outlet will be spread over 2,100 square metres on the first floor of Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National -
The store is smaller than other Ikea outlets in the UAE. Victor Besa / The National -
A look inside one of the finished rooms at Ikea, Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National -
There will be Christmas stock to buy at the new store. Victor Besa / The National -
Ikea store staff practise social distancing on the shop floor. Victor Besa / The National -
The store will stock 'approximately 2,000 low and medium-sized ready-to-assemble furniture and home essentials'. Victor Besa / The National -
For all other products, customers will have digital access to the full range. Victor Besa / The National -
Customers can place their orders in-store to have them delivered or opt for online delivery. Victor Besa / The National -
There will be a Swedish cafe at the store, where customers can dine-in or take away food. The affordable hot dogs, shawarmas, meatballs and pastries are fan favourites. Victor Besa / The National -
Products have already been put out on display at the new store. Victor Besa / The National -
Ikea store staff practise social distancing on the floor area. Victor Besa / The National -
A member of staff tags items ahead of opening. Victor Besa / The National -
The store is the fourth Ikea in the UAE. Victor Besa / The National -
The other Ikea stores are located at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi ... Victor Besa / The National -
... And at Festival Plaza and Dubai Festival City malls in Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
Finishing touches are put on the store's Christmas display. Victor Besa / The National -
Room displays are ready at the store. Victor Besa / The National -
A vanity display within the new store. Victor Besa / The National -
An Ikea bedroom display being finished. Victor Besa / The National
