Positive prospects for sheep meat and dairy exports to the Middle East and North Africa

Export prospects for British sheep meat and dairy to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are looking positive with increasing demand driven by population growth and limited regional production.

Our updated Prospects for UK agri-food exports: MENA analysis highlights opportunities for UK exporters in the region, which is forecast to be the second-largest net importer of food by 2034.

The analysis provides an economic overview, details on consumption levels, consumer insight and information on market access and barriers to trade.

It has revealed an anticipated increase in premium lamb consumption, particularly in the Gulf region, and dairy consumption, which is forecast to outstrip production in the region.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade Development Director, said:

“International market and consumer insight plays a key role in helping us deliver a programme of promotional activity on the ground to support our export businesses.

“For red meat exports the MENA region is an important market, particularly for the sheep meat sector, with consumption relatively high compared with other regions around the world.

“An anticipated increase in consumption over the next eight years is positive for the sector and we will continue to work with industry and government to explore the potential for the export of quality sheep meat in the region.”

Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development (Dairy), said:

“Outside of Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) trading bloc is the second-largest export market for UK dairy products and is therefore a critical part of our international trade development for the sector.

“For example, UK cheese exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, driven by demand for Cheddar, have been increasing steadily since the start of the decade.

“The dairy sector in the UK is well-placed to build on its established reputation in the region as demand grows for our world-class produce, supported by the AHDB team, which includes our Middle East representative Adil Khan.”

The updated analysis for MENA coincides with Gulfood in Dubai (26 January to 30 January), where we're supporting six red meat and 10 dairy export businesses to promote products in the region.

The event provides an opportunity for export businesses to meet with existing and potential new customers. It also included 24 dairy exporters taking part in our breakfast event to showcase produce ahead of the show on Monday (26 January).

Gulfood has also come hot on the heels of a British dairy promotion across Kuwait, with AHDB partnering with Lulu Hypermarket Kuwait and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to highlight the quality of British dairy products.

Jonathan added:

“The valuable market and consumer insight provided by our colleagues in Market Intelligence plays a pivotal role in underpinning our work on the ground and the work of our in-market representatives to meet global demand for quality British red meat and dairy produce.

“AHDB is committed to invest in helping our red meat and dairy exports thrive on the global stage through a comprehensive programme of work which includes participating in major events like Gulfood.

“Connecting with people in the industry is essential and supporting our export businesses at events like this does precisely that, providing a shop window for our produce and a platform to meet buyers and help grow our export trade.

“We look forward to continuing working with industry and government to develop further export opportunities for our red meat and dairy sectors in the region.”