New imports of food and beverages into the Middle East from the Australian State of Victoria have been projected at more than $57 million over the next two years.

This follows an Australian government-led trade mission to a recently held food exhibition in Dubai, a statement said.

More than 20 Victorian companies participated in the mission earlier this year to Gulfood in Dubai - the largest food, beverage and hospitality trade show in the region attracting 55,000 buyers from 152 countries.

John Butler, Commissioner for the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO), which helps promote Victorian trade and investment in the Middle East, said the mission’s main objective was to increase export sales to the region which already consumes more than $750 million of Victorian food and beverage every year.

“The extra projected value of exports of over $57 million over the next two years into this region is a great boost for the companies involved and for the close relationship Victoria has with the Middle East,” Butler said.

“The mission was important in generating a presence in the market and ensuring that Victorian companies continue to be flexible in responding to key markets in the region,” he added.

The Victorian Government also led a delegation to Saudi Arabia and met with key regional companies including major retailers, Lulus, Al Tamimi and Panda, as well as the catering arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines.

The CEO of Victorian beverage company Preshafood, Alastair McLachlan, said an introduction to a new distributor at Gulfood resulted in a supply of samples, and an initial order which was sold within two weeks in Dubai. Additional orders are now being processed in response to the demand.

“The international trade shows and buyer matching organised by the Victorian Government has short tracked the process of research and relationship building with appropriate buyers and retailers – letting us focus on achieving our export growth,” McLachlan said.

Butler said that Preshafood’s success in the Dubai market is a good example of a niche segment that is finding significant opportunities in the region.

“It’s about matching companies from Victoria with customers in this region, and creating opportunities for Victorian companies to be globally competitive,” he said. – TradeArabia News Service