Applying a pitta pressure: UK kebab industry gets trade body

The organisation will promote the industry and represent its interests with government and regulators.It says it will also play a key role in educating consumers about kebabs and changing stereotypical perceptions of the industry and its cuisine.The chairman of the Kebab Alliance is Ibrahim Dogus, a well-known figure in the kebab world having founded the British Kebab Awards. 

Founding members of the Alliance include Just Eat, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Hellmann’s, all major suppliers to the kebab sector.

“Kebabs are the fourth most popular takeaway in Britain but this major food sector has never before benefitted from a collective voice. With the challenges we all face today, from the pandemic to new international trading relationships, it is vital that we work together," says Dogus. 

"There has therefore never been a better time to launch the Kebab Alliance: a true representative of the British kebab industry and its positive role in communities around the country.”

The Kebab Alliance will concentrate its activities on areas including championing the healthy, nutritional benefits of kebabs; upholding the tradition of skilled, quality kebab-making; promoting best-in-class standards across the industry; ensuring a seamless, sustainable and ethical supply chain; and advocating an appropriate regulatory landscape.

Members will include industry suppliers, fine-dining restaurants and takeaways, as well as service providers.

There are currently around 17,000 kebab outlets in the UK, supporting around 200,000 jobs.

Kebab Alliance says the kebab industry is one of the most inclusive food sectors in the UK, with many employees of Kurdish, Turkish, Greek, Lebanese and Armenian backgrounds.