Formulating awareness about the usefulness of fresh, local, healthy & hygienic products is the main objective of Khalis Food Market. Having stalls with products featuring fruits grown in Gilgit to organic honey collected from beehives of forests present in Pakistan, this market has provided a platform for small scale entrepreneurs promoting organic food industry. The Khalis Food Market is run by the dynamic and talented Rizwan Naeem.
5th of April 2015 , Royal Palm Golf and Country Club was filled with remarkable number of people. Much like a festival, the event was attended by people all across Lahore. Vendors appreciate Khalis Food Market for the fact that it provides a close to nature open air environment to exhibit their products.
This idea was found on 28th April 2013, by a young entrepreneur namely, Rizwan Naeem and an ex-partner who seemed content with the wonderful feedback he has received since the time this event began. While speaking to Kluchit team he said “Khalis turned out to be an exception, for the fact that we didn’t have funds to carry this idea. Literally this began with Rs 23,000 and the number of stalls had been 28 when this market was set up for the first time, it was so encouraging for us when at the end of this gathering we found out that 900 people had shown up. And now since Khalis has built its trust, 5,500 people showed up in the last market’s usual four and a half hours.” Rizwan encourages people by saying “Please think out of the box, money is not the only source that leads to reach your goals, sometimes it’s the difference in your thinking.”
The market had 55 stalls, the products that were out for sale had totally healthy components present in them, at affordable prices. Celebrities like Ali Noor, Cybil Chaudhry, Ayesha Sana and many more were seen enjoying this event.
Health foods, much known for their organic cereals, breads, juices and herbs had their stall at the venue. The CEO of this brand, Samer shared her thoughts by saying that “I chose Khalis, because I believe it is the best platform for the sale of my natural home made products. The specialty of my products is that I use a lot of seeds and nuts which have omega 3, which is beneficial for cardiac and diabetic patients. I believe that every person who is living in this society should be contributing for its betterment and what I have started is basically for a healthy life style and to bring a positive change in people’s life”
Areefa Azam, CEO of organic box appreciated Khalis by saying that “it is a trend setter for the society to follow. Whatever products we have displayed are traceable- you can always come back to us if they do not give you the desired result.” She added that “you should change your life style by incorporating healthy products in your eating habits, stop using food items that have shelf life, because investing good money once will have everlasting positive outcomes”
Khalis Food Market aims to achieve many milestones by the end of this year. It is greatly contributing to the society by appreciating a healthier lifestyle. People who have been attending this event look forward to similar events which are a source of learning all about a healthy life style through food. It is also a way of encouraging social interaction amongst like-minded people. Kluchit team wishes Khalis Food Market a very good luck for the future!
Contributed by Zainab Assad, a student of Media Studies, ex-magazine editor at Lahore Grammar School, debater and a social activist.
Assistant Food Editor
Kluchit.com
Pictures courtesy Kluchit Team
