This report, authored by economist Jim Power, identified that the food sector and agricultural advice and training are among the opportunities for growth in that region. Growing populations along with constrained and relatively underdeveloped agriculture in the region mean there is an ongoing opportunity for Irish businesses operating in the food sector, particularly, dairy and meat, according to the report. And, as countries look to improve their food security and production capacity in the region, agricultural advice and training requirements there are also expected to grow.
Commenting, Jim said: “The countries of the Arab world import many of the products and services that Irish companies can supply competitively; they have considerable resources to fund their imports; their rising populations cause demand to grow year after year; and they are relatively close to Ireland in terms of accessibility.” He added that the international reputation for Irish products is strong, with Irish agricultural produce regarded as ‘high quality, with a strong organic component'.
The report found that, overall exports from Ireland to the Arab world reached record levels in 2022, increasing by 23 per cent in the first nine months. The region of 21 states has a growing population of more than 444 million people, representing 5.5 per cent of the world’s population and accounting for 3.1 per cent of the world’s economy. The population of the region is growing rapidly and is forecast to exceed 500 million, 6 per cent of the global population, by 2028.
CEO of the AICC, Ahmad Younis, said it’s a market brimming with potential for Irish SMEs and advises that companies make use of all available resources: “There is a lot of help and guidance available at a local level to entrepreneurs interested in exploring exporting options. Start by having conversations with organisations like Bord Bia and the AICC. Enterprise Ireland also has specialist teams to specifically support Irish firms in getting started and can explain the different business models that operate out there. Do your research and find out what’s right for you and your business.”
The most up-to-date statistics from Bord Bia show that food and drink exports to the Middle East in 2022 were estimated at €364.5 million, up 10 per cent on 2021. Within that, dairy exports increased by 8 per cent to €311.3 million, while prepared consumer foods (PCF) were up by 20 per cent, to €23.6 million.
Exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are estimated to have grown by 49 per cent in 2022 to €92 million, driven by increases across dairy, drinks and PCF. Dairy exports are estimated to have grown by 36 per cent to €67 million; drinks have increased over six-fold to €12.1 million, and PCF is up 36 per cent to €10 million. Seafood exports of €1.4 million remain unchanged.
Meanwhile, Gulfood – Dubai’s largest food and hospitality show – runs from February 20-24. Ireland is well represented, with some of the country’s leading dairy and meat companies participating, including Ornua, Dairygold, Lakeland Dairies, Tipperary Co-op, Glenstal Foods, Tirlán, Ashbourne Meats, Oliver Carty & Family, William Gate and Silver Hill Duck. Other Irish companies in Dubai are Musgrave International, Marbaana and Future Nutrition.