The United Arab Emirates has been treated to a thorough taste of New Zealand, after more than 10 Kiwi companies showed off their wares at a five-day food show in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates has been treated to a thorough taste of New Zealand, after more than 10 Kiwi companies showed off their wares at a five-day food show in Dubai.
Gulfood, the world’s largest food tradeshow with 5000 stands from more than 120 countries, provided a platform for New Zealand companies to impress 95,000 visitors. Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, who attended the show, says annual two-way trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries exceeds $3.2 billion. “Food and beverage is an important part of our trading relationship, built upon the complementarity of New Zealand’s high quality food offering and many Gulf countries’ food security needs.” Guy spoke at a function of more than 200 people, including New Zealand exporters, local importers and distributors, and leading representatives from the hospitality industry.
New Zealand has traditionally been associated with dairy and meat exports, but the list of available food products in the United Arab Emirates’ retail sector continues to grow, rising from 13 products in 2013 to 90 in 2017. “A number of our businesses already have a strong presence in this market and are doing exceptionally well selling New Zealand food and beverage products. My visit is aimed at opening doors and helping to further promote New Zealand companies,” Guy says.
New Zealand’s presence at Gulfood signals the importance of the relationships with the UAE, Gulf countries and the wider region. Finalising the New Zealand GCC Free Trade Agreement is an important next step to enhancing trade, including food and beverage, even further, Guy says. New Zealand companies attending Gulfood 2017 included Fonterra, Tegel, Taylor Preston, Lowe Corporation, ANZCO Foods, NIG Nutritionals, Milkio, NZ Dairy Company, Open Country Dairy and Spring Sheep.
