Published 2 March 2023
Up to 50 Victorian companies have established new MENA connections at Gulfood 2023.
The 28th edition of Gulfood – the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event – took place last month at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
As the largest Australian state exhibitor, Victoria was represented by almost 50 businesses at Gulfood – spanning meat, dairy, coffee, horticulture, gourmet goods, grains, and seafood.
Fourteen companies showcased their products on the Sheikh Saeed Halls, thirteen exhibited with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), and the remaining 23 companies attended as delegates of Global Victoria's trade mission program.
The Victorian Government has maintained a continual presence at Gulfood, attending each edition in the office’s 25-year history, and is the largest Australian state exhibitor at the event.
“Australia, in particular Victoria, has a global reputation as a clean, green, and safe supplier with high-quality biosecurity, reliability standards, and environmental protection efforts,” said Kassem Younes, Global Victoria's General Manager for the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye.
“Victoria plays a significant role in supplying quality food and fibre products to the MENA region valued at AUD $1.2 billion, with the United Arab Emirates within Victoria’s top 10 food and fibre export markets. This is largely because of our counter-seasonal, temperate climate, which produces a diverse range of food throughout the year. As a key trading destination, we look forward to showcasing our unique offering at this important annual event,” Kassem added.
- Victoria controls 26 per cent of the country’s food and fibre manufacturing and transport industries, exporting the most dairy, horticulture, prepared foods, and animal fibre compared to any other state in Australia.
- Victoria is also home to Australia’s biggest curfew-free airport and container port, providing constant access to an exceptional freight and logistics infrastructure.
- Victoria has grown to be a key player in food and agriculture exports.
- The Victorian Government has maintained a continual presence at Gulfood, attending each edition in the office’s 25-year history.