British sheepmeat and dairy exporters are being urged to take advantage of growing demand in the Middle East and North Africa, as the region looks to become one of the world’s biggest food importers.
New analysis from AHDB shows export prospects strengthen as population growth and limited domestic production continue to boost demand across the region.
The Middle East and North Africa is predicted to become the world’s second largest net importer of food by 2034, underscoring its growing importance for UK agricultural exports.
This assessment highlights increased consumption of premium lamb meat, particularly in Gulf markets, in addition to dairy demand expected to outpace regional production.
AHDB International Trade Development Director Jonathan Eckley said detailed market intelligence will be central to supporting exporters on the ground.
“International market and consumer insights play a key role in implementing local promotional activity programs that support export business,” he said.
He said the region remained an important red meat destination in the UK, with relatively high consumption of mutton compared to many other parts of the world.
He said: “The expected increase in consumption over the next eight years is positive for the sector and we look forward to continuing to work with industry and government to explore the potential for high quality sheep meat exports in the region.”
With the increasing demand for animal protein, consumption of dairy products is also increasing, especially across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Lucy Randolph, head of international trade development for dairy products at AHDB, said the region was an important market for the UK’s non-European exporters.
“Aside from Europe, the GCC trading area is the UK’s second largest export market for dairy products,” she said.
He said British cheese exports to the region continued to gain momentum.
“British cheese exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE have increased steadily since the start of the decade, driven by demand for cheddar cheese,” she said.
He added that the sector is well placed to benefit from further growth.
“The UK dairy sector is well placed to build on its established reputation in the region as demand for world-class produce grows,” she said.
The publication of this analysis coincides with AHDB’s participation in Dubai’s Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food trade fairs.
AHDB supported 6 red meat and 10 dairy export companies at the event, giving the companies direct access to buyers and new market opportunities.
Activities included a dedicated dairy breakfast showcasing British produce ahead of the show, as well as meetings with existing and potential customers.
Gulfood followed the promotion of British dairy products across Kuwait in partnership with Lulu Hypermarket Kuwait and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Eckley said events like Gulfood play an important role in turning market insights into commercial opportunities.
“The valuable market and consumer insights provided by our Market Intelligence colleagues play a vital role in supporting our efforts on the ground,” he said.
“Connecting with people in the industry is essential and supporting our export business with events like this does just that, providing a shop window for our produce and a platform to meet buyers, helping to grow our export trade.”
He said AHDB will continue to work with industry and government to develop further export opportunities for the red meat and dairy sectors across the region.
