by Sophia Dyer
  • 1 minute read
  • January 27, 2025
Five minutes with… Qadreya Al Awadhi, founder of Bumblebee

We sit down with the founder behind healthy children’s meal brand Bumblebee to chat all things nutrition 

What inspired you to start Bumblebee?

I was babysitting my friend’s son and noticed that the food I was feeding him was produced before he was even born! This is the reality of supermarket foods, where the expiration date is usually a year after production. 

What are your passions in life?

I love everything about food – I love to cook it, I love to eat it, and I love to learn about it.

What did you study?

I studied finance in college, then studied international business for my master’s degree. I also went to culinary school and am currently completing my paediatric nutrition diploma. 

Why is the Middle East an important market for healthy baby food?

Simply for the lack of healthy options for babies and kids. Just a few years ago, you could never find any fresh baby food in the UAE. 

What are your hobbies?

I like to run to burn off all those calories from all the food I cook and eat!

Who is the meal plan designed for?

It is designed for kids aged six months to six years old. 

Where do you source the ingredients?

We have our own family farm that grows most of the produce we need,

but we also source other ingredients from local farms in the UAE. 

How do you wish to change the baby food market?

We hope to help kids build a healthy, sustainable relationship with food. 

What does the future look like for you?

I hope to see my products in supermarkets across the wider Middle East and be the number one choice trusted by parents. 

How has your life changed since starting Bumblebee?

It’s been a great journey delving into the world of F&B, especially a market as niche as baby food. I get to travel to consult with different suppliers, manufacturers and doctors to efficiently run the business. 

Visit bumblebeefood.com and follow @bumblebee_ae on Instagram

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