Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the most prominent names in global jewellery retail, has announced its landmark entry into New Zealand, marking its 14th country of operations. The inaugural showroom of Malabar Gold & Diamonds in New Zealand, located at Botany Town Centre in Auckland, will be formally launched on the 5th October 2025.
This expansion marks the first UAE investment in New Zealand following the signing of the historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement between the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. This strategic venture exemplifies Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ confidence in New Zealand’s vibrant market and growing economy, while heralding a deepened economic partnership between the two nations.
Building on a legacy of excellence and trust, Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ expansion into New Zealand marks the opening of a new chapter of growth, cultural integration, and business collaboration. In the initial phase of the brand’s expansion plan, Malabar Gold & Diamonds will invest NZD 75 million to establish three premium showrooms across major cities. In addition to reinforcing the brand’s long-term commitment to enriching New Zealand’s jewellery landscape, the investment will also be a great boost to the country’s economy in the way of employment opportunities & taxes.
Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director of International Operations at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, remarked, “The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and New Zealand marks a new chapter of stronger economic and social collaboration between our two nations. This bilateral investment treaty opens exciting opportunities for businesses and communities alike. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is proud to be the first organization to leverage these opportunities, and we remain grateful to the office of New Zealand Consul General to Dubai & Northern Emirates for their valuable guidance & support in this matter. For us, this milestone is not just about business growth, it is also about giving back. Having set aside 5% of our profits for ESG initiatives internationally, we have spent over USD 40 Million to date on various philanthropic initiatives. With a focus on the avenues of Health, Housing, Hunger Eradication, Education, Women empowerment & the environment, Malabar Gold & Diamonds is reaffirming our role as a responsible jeweller committed to New Zealand’s social and economic fabric”.
The UAE is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners in the Middle East and under the UAE–New Zealand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), 98.5% of New Zealand’s current goods exports to the UAE now enjoy duty-free access, with coverage rising to 99% within three years. This provides significant advantages for key New Zealand export sectors. The agreement is also expected to drive substantial growth in bilateral trade, projected to rise from around USD 1.5 billion to over USD 5 billion by 2032. Alongside tariff reductions on goods, CEPA creates a platform for digital trade and services opportunities—laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient partnership between the two nations.
It’s great to see companies including Malabar Gold & Diamonds invest in New Zealand following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This milestone reflects the strengthening economic partnership between the UAE and New Zealand, and highlights the shared commitment to fostering trade, cultural exchange and mutual growth.” says Mr. Ahmad Zakkout, New Zealand’s Consul General - Dubai & Northern Emirates & Trade Commissioner – UAE, Qatar, Levant & Africa.
Ethical & responsible sourcing has been a key tenant of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ entire operations. With the exclusive usage of 100% traceable raw materials in their jewellery, the brand ensures strict compliance with international standards for transparent gold & diamond sourcing set by globally recognized organizations such as LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) and World Gold Council. The principles of sustainability and responsibility are incorporated into its core business through practices such as zero tolerance on compliance to the rule of law, Anti-money Laundering (AML) & Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), usage of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood for packaging, LEED Gold certified offices and outlets.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned globally for offering an unparalleled jewellery buying experience with convenience and customer-friendly policies along with the ‘Malabar Promise’ of incomparable quality and service assurance. The Malabar Promise includes transparent pricing, assured lifetime maintenance from any of the showrooms across 14 countries, guaranteed buyback, tested and certified diamonds, 100% value on diamond and gold jewellery exchange, 916 hallmarked jewellery, responsible sourcing, fair price policy, and fair labour practices.
With a focus on becoming an integral part of local life, Malabar Gold & Diamonds aspires to be a trusted partner for moments that matter—from birthdays and anniversaries to weddings and other significant milestones. Combining age-old craftsmanship with modern retail innovation and by embracing the custom of gifting jewellery as a cherished symbol of love, respect, and tradition, Malabar Gold & Diamonds intends to weave itself into the very fabric of New Zealand’s gifting culture.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ journey began in 1993 as a part of the Malabar Group, a diversified Indian conglomerate with a strong foundation built on trust, quality, and customer satisfaction. Today, with an annual turnover of $7.36 billion and a network of 400+ showrooms across 14 countries. Despite its extensive global footprint, the brand is committed to local resonance, valuing the distinctiveness of each community it serves and contributing positively to every society it joins.
Aligned with Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ enduring ESG commitment, the company will dedicate 5% of its annual profits in New Zealand to social welfare initiatives. This contribution will support community welfare programs focused on health, education, hunger eradication, environment, and women’s empowerment, ensuring that the company’s growth translates into meaningful social impact and shared prosperity.
As part of the group’s Hunger Free World initiative, over 70,000 meals are distributed daily across 170 locations, including 3 schools in the African country of Zambia.
In India alone, the group has established 716 micro learning centres, enrolling more than 32,000 underprivileged children, many of whom transition into formal schooling. Additionally, Malabar Group has awarded more than 115,000 scholarships to female students, supporting their academic journey and empowering the next generation of women leaders.
The company also runs the “Grandma Home” project, providing accommodation for needy and destitute women. With several such initiatives already in place, the company’s long-term goal is to ensure its global success benefits local communities wherever it operates.
Editor’s Note
Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.
With an annual turnover of $7.36 billion, the company currently ranks as the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 410 showrooms spread across 14 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada , Australia & New Zealand. The group, owned by more than 4,000 shareholders, has more than 25,000 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.
The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections.
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus area of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.
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