A Celebration of Partnership and Innovation: Highlights from the Carrefour Brand Festival Launch

On March 14, 2025, Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi buzzed with excitement as Carrefour Kenya, operated by Majid Al Futtaim Retail, launched its inaugural Carrefour Brand Festival. Running through March 28, this 14-day celebration brings together over 30 leading brands, exclusive discounts, and prizes worth more than KES 10 million—including home appliances, shopping vouchers, trips, and a KES 1.2 million car giveaway sponsored by Unilever Kenya.

The morning kickoff at 8:30 AM gathered industry leaders, partners, and media to mark this transformative moment in Kenyan retail. Key speakers included Mr. Sawan Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Tropical Heat Group; Ms. Hawa Majid, Founder of Fauci Fashion; Mr. Arnold Mulamula, Assistant General Trade Manager at LG; and Mr. Christophe Orcet, Regional Director East Africa for Majid Al Futtaim Retail. Their insights highlighted robust partnerships, exceptional consumer experiences, and the people driving this success.

Partnerships: Strength in Collaboration

Mr. Sawan Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Tropical Heat Group, set the tone by praising Carrefour’s collaborative ethos. He emphasized that this relationship is built on ensuring the consumer wins. Since 2015, Tropical Heat—renowned for its Kenyan spices and snacks—has thrived alongside Carrefour, aligning supply chains for mutual benefit. He credited early figures like Mr. Hashem and current team members Ms. Hadija, Mr. Patrick, and Mr. Christophe Orcet for their enduring partnership.

Ms. Hawa Majid, Founder of Fauci Fashion, shared her brand’s growth journey. Since partnering with Carrefour in 2018, her business has expanded from one outlet to nearly 19. She acknowledged Mr. Kevin Oketch and his team for their steadfast support, highlighting how the partnership has fueled Fauci Fashion’s success.

Mr. Arnold Mulamula, Assistant General Trade Manager at LG, stepping in for Ms. Winfred Mwangi, provided a global perspective. He highlighted LG’s long-standing collaboration with Carrefour, citing Mr. Christophe Orcet and Mr. Fidelis as key partners in strengthening their market presence.

Closing the session, Mr. Christophe Orcet, Regional Director East Africa for Majid Al Futtaim Retail, extended his gratitude to Mr. Sawan Shah (Tropical Heat), Ms. Hawa Majid (Fauci Fashion), Ms. Winfred Mwangi (via Mr. Arnold Mulamula, LG), and Mr. Vijay (Unilever Kenya) for their inspiring words. He emphasized that these partnerships are the foundation of the festival’s success, making it a milestone for Carrefour Kenya under Majid Al Futtaim Retail’s leadership.

Experiences: Crafting Consumer Delight

Mr. Sawan Shah lauded Carrefour’s best-in-class experience—one defined by quality, consistency, and convenience. He praised Carrefour’s seamless shopping experience, whether in-store or online, which makes shopping stress-free for consumers.

Ms. Hawa Majid reinforced the importance of supporting local businesses through Fauci Fashion’s ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ mission. With 95% of her products made in Kenya, she teased an interactive live stitching demonstration at the festival, emphasizing her brand’s authenticity and Carrefour’s role in promoting Kenyan craftsmanship.

Mr. Arnold Mulamula positioned the festival as a fun-filled experience, encouraging customers to explore LG’s premium product lineup across nine stores. He underscored the festival’s value proposition, noting that shoppers could win items worth over KES 500,000 for as little as KES 50,000.

Mr. Christophe Orcet described the festival as a landmark event, promising unbeatable offers across Carrefour’s key locations—from Kisumu to Nyali to Two Rivers. He highlighted that every customer has the chance to win 1,000 gifts, a car, and share in KES 10 million worth of prizes, making it an exciting period for shoppers.

People: The Heart of the Journey

The event underscored the people behind Carrefour’s success. Mr. Sawan Shah acknowledged Carrefour’s dedicated team, including Mr. Hashem from 2015, and today’s Ms. Hadija, Mr. Patrick, and Mr. Christophe Orcet, recognizing their world-class expertise.

Ms. Hawa Majid’s uplifting spirit was evident as she expressed her appreciation for Mr. Kevin Oketch, a key figure in her brand’s partnership with Carrefour.

Mr. Arnold Mulamula, arriving solo, took a moment to commend Mr. Christophe Orcet and Mr. Fidelis for their contributions to LG’s thriving collaboration with Carrefour.

Mr. Christophe Orcet extended his appreciation to his marketing and Two Rivers teams for orchestrating the event seamlessly, acknowledging the hard work that went into making the launch a success. He also recognized the dancers and performers who added a vibrant energy to the morning’s proceedings.

A Festival of Value and Vision

The Carrefour Brand Festival, powered by Majid Al Futtaim Retail, celebrates partnerships, innovation, and consumer value. From Tropical Heat’s premium spices, Fauci Fashion’s Kenyan-made designs, and LG’s cutting-edge technology, Carrefour brings together brands that enhance everyday life. Under Mr. Christophe Orcet’s leadership, the festival sets a new benchmark in Kenyan retail.

With KES 10 million in prizes, including a KES 1.2 million car, the festival offers an exciting opportunity for shoppers across nine Carrefour stores.

Looking Forward

As the festival runs through March 28, Carrefour Kenya cements its role as a hub for growth, connection, and consumer empowerment under Majid Al Futtaim Retail. Mr. Christophe Orcet emphasized his excitement to see shoppers take full advantage of the festival, as Carrefour continues to redefine the shopping experience in Kenya.