Victoria boosting food trade with Middle East

JEDDAH —  The Victorian government is showcasing Victoria’s world class produce starting on Sunday at a major food trade event in the Middle East as part of a drive to boost exports to the fast growing region. Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis is leading the trade mission to Gulfood in Dubai and said the Victorian government was working hard to take advantage of new opportunities and growing prosperity in the Middle East. Running until February 25, Gulfood is the world's biggest annual food and hospitality show, with over nearly 5000 exhibitors from 120 countries.  The Victorian Government trade mission to the event will see Victorian companies promoting some of the state’s finest meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable and processed foods. The Middle East region is one of the fastest growing food and beverage markets with countries such Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar importing more than 90 percent of their requirements. The Middle East market is also one of Victoria’s largest export destinations, with exports worth more than $2.76 billion in 2014-2015, which includes $1.2 billion in food and beverage exports.  Victorian horticulture exports to the region are expected to grow, particularly in the UAE, which is now the 3rd highest value table grape market for Victoria. “The Victorian Government is working hard to help Victorian food and beverage producers win a bigger share of fast growing Middle East markets,” said Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis. “The growing prosperity of the region is opening up enormous new opportunities for Victorian producers to boost exports of our world class products. “Gulfood will give participating companies an invaluable first-hand understanding of local market dynamics and the opportunity to create and strengthen trade and investment connections and partnerships.” Food security is also a major issue for MENA countries, driving opportunities for Victorian food and beverage suppliers who meet the highest international standards for quality management, food safety and halal products. “The Middle East is one of Victoria’s fastest growing food and beverage markets, with many countries recognizing Victoria’s strength in producing halal products that are high in quality and food safety,” said Victorian Commissioner to Middle East, Africa and Turkey, John Butler. The Victorian Government also supports a number of inbound and outbound trade missions which showcase Victorian products to global markets around the world, including Foodex (Japan), Seoul Food and SIAL (China). The government is also providing opportunities for overseas importers to engage with Victorian companies through inward missions, such as the Victorian Invitation Program, which will happen again in March this year.