JEDDAH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been ranked among New Zealand's 18 fastest growing Food & Beverage (F&B) markets, according to new statistics from the World Trade Atlas. in Abu Dhabi Saudi Arabia was placed 12th out of the 18 fastest growing markets in 2010, followed by the UAE in 18th position. Egypt was also ranked in the top thirty, indicating strong potential growth for New Zealand F&B trade in the wider Middle East. Wayne Mikkelsen, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, said: "The GCC and the Middle East as a whole is an increasingly important contributor to New Zealand's economic prosperity, as evidenced by these new statistics. F&B products form the basis of New Zealand's trade to the Gulf, and we see great potential to grow these exports further and strengthen the trade relationship between New Zealand and the Middle East." "New Zealand has strong trade relations across the Middle East and there is potential for further economic growth across North Africa. As we continue to engage New Zealand F&B companies in these markets, increased exports will have positive implications for New Zealand and Middle East markets with increased local economic activity and growth for both parties," he added. Statistics showed a 53 percent growth in F&B exports from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia, for the year ending December 2010, with a total of $396.6 million in F&B related exports to this Gulf state. These exports are predominantly made up of dairy products including milk powder, butter and cheese, meat, whey and malt extract. The UAE received over $240 million in F&B exports from New Zealand in the same time frame, registering a 28 percent growth. The key exports to this market are dairy products, fresh fruits such as apples and kiwifruit, beef and lamb as well as seafood. Bahrain has long been a market of significance for New Zealand and exports between New Zealand and Bahrain for the year ending December 2010 totaled $51m, which indicates an 11 percent growth on the previous year. A number of successful New Zealand F&B companies are active in the Gulf, building trade relationships across the region and contributing to the rapid increase in F&B exports over recent years. Among these is Fonterra, the farmer-owned New Zealand co-operative that is the largest processor of milk in the world and is a global leader in dairy nutrition. Another company excelling in the dairy sector is Dairy Goat Co-operative, which is establishing a niche market for its Golden Goat milk powder in the Middle East. The products are based on goat milk and specially formulated for the nutritional needs of infants and young children. New Zealand is renowned around the world as one of the best dairy producing nations, and making great traction in the Middle East with their high quality products is Killinchy Gold, premium ice cream. The company is committed to all natural ingredients and their products are being scooped up across the Gulf in numerous top hotels and restaurants at a rapid pace. Also contributing to the growth in F&B export figures is Sealord, New Zealand's leading seafood supplier, whose native New Zealand greenshell mussels and white fin fish are in high demand cross the GCC and wider Middle East. Andrew Eaton, Executive Chef of Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR), said: "Emirates Leisure Retail currently has relationships with six New Zealand F&B companies, importing products from New Zealand for use throughout our ELR outlets. When sourcing F&B suppliers we only look for the best quality products and professional, reliable companies with whom we build lasting relationships. We have been extremely impressed by the high standard of the New Zealand companies we have worked with and the premium F&B products they have on offer." F&B exports to Egypt saw a 12 percent growth and over $161 million in exports. These exports are made up of beef and sheep meat, dairy products, frozen vegetables and seafood.
