PROVACUNO participates again in Gulfood, the main agri-food fair in the Middle East
This action was co-financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, through the agreement signed with the Interprofessional Meat Food Organizations for the promotion of these products in the foreign market.
As part of the fair, a meeting with buyers from the Persian Gulf was held on February 18, at the Dukes The Palm hotel, where they were able to enjoy Spanish beef.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Gulfood focuses on the global food and beverage industry and annually brings together a large number of experts, industry leaders and professionals from around the world, who visit the Dubai World Trade Centre and participate in discussions on current issues and future trends in the food sector.
This year, it is estimated that more than 180,000 trade visitors from 110 countries will be able to see first-hand the million products on display by more than 5,500 exhibitors from around 130 countries. With a total surface area of more than 200,000 square metres, Gulfood is one of the most important trade fairs in the entire Asian continent, attracting not only professionals from the United Arab Emirates, but also players in the production chain from all over Asia and Africa.
Demand for quality meat is increasing in the Persian Gulf
The United Arab Emirates has become a hub of extraordinary strategic importance for the Middle East. It is an area of continuous economic growth and high purchasing power of the middle class, from which products are distributed to the entire geographical area that makes up the Persian Gulf.
Demand for quality meat is increasing, especially among urban consumers, who are looking for safe and healthy products, and among countries in the geographic area. On the other hand, restrictions on religious rites – which prevent the consumption of pork protein – open up even more opportunities for the introduction and consumption of other meats, such as sheep and beef, traditional sources of protein for the society of this important geographic area.
There is also a growing preference for organic products, with young consumers more willing to try new varieties of meat and Western-quality meat products. Increasing tourism in the UAE and interest in international cuisine are also driving demand for dishes that include beef, with restaurants and hotels looking to offer authentic, high-quality options to satisfy domestic and international tourists.
However, despite having become a major consumer of beef and a distribution centre for countries in the Persian Gulf and other nearby territories, the United Arab Emirates produces around 18,000 tonnes/year and is therefore unable to meet its domestic demand, relying largely on imports to cover this deficit, around 150,000 tonnes/year, which come mainly from Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay. Imports may fluctuate due to trade policies and changes in international prices.
In 2024, Spanish exports to the United Arab Emirates registered an increase of almost 20% compared to the previous year, exceeding 100 tonnes.
There are therefore opportunities for foreign producers, especially those who can offer quality beef (especially those with animal welfare and sustainable production certifications) and meet the food safety standards required by these markets.
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