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Food and Beverage to the Middle East

Eligible businesses can apply for free support to export processed foods, health-foods, fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, nuts, seafood, meat and dairy or plant-based alternatives, and non-alcoholic beverages to the Middle East. Applications have closed.

Program dates

October 2022 to June 2023

Key events

Why this market

There is strong global demand for Australian food and beverage products from the Middle East’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The region’s food market is forecast to reach 51.28 million metric tonnes in 2025, experiencing growth at a compound annual growth rate of 3.15%.

Key consumer trends in the GCC include rising health consciousness, demand for convenience and rising use of online grocery retail. There is also an increase in imported inputs for domestic food and beverage manufacturing.

Curriculum

Market intelligence briefings and cultural training

  • Market briefing and sector/market specific opportunities for exporters
  • Introduction to market-specific business culture and etiquette
  • Market retail environment 

Export workshops

  • Advanced exporter training   
  • How to craft your pitch   
  • Intellectual property protection
  • Freight, logistics and compliance

Introductions and opportunities 

  • Virtual participation and exhibition at overseas trade shows 
  • Introduction to potential partners 
  • Targeted 1:1 business matching  

Program debrief, ongoing advice and follow up

  • Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser 

Note: The curriculum is subject to change. 

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

  • Have headquarters in NSW
  • Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
  • Be export-capable and export-ready 
  • Have an employee number between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees 
  • Produce the product or service primarily in NSW under your own brand (this program is not for aggregators, traders or businesses who sell services to exporters)
  • Be selling the product or service already
  • Have a website featuring the product or service
  • Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market
  • Be flexible regarding market-entry method
  • Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
  • Be willing to travel to the selected market and/or Sydney for events (where and when travel is permitted), and must cover own travel expenses

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream 

  • Products or services successfully commercialised in Australian market 
  • Halal certification and/or Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) certification, where relevant
  • Production capability to support the new market 
  • Financial resources to support marketing and development for the new markets

The ideal participant 

  • Ability to place production/expiry dates on products 
  • Export plan and ability to provide export pricing 
  • Ability to sustain slightly extended payment cycles (for example, 30 to 60 days) 
  • Commitment to exporting

Businesses not eligible for this stream

  • Alcoholic products 
  • Companies acting as agents of food manufacturers 
  • Poultry products 
  • Past NSW Going Global Export Program “UAE and Middle East” participants

Applications have closed

Applications open on 22 August 2022 and closed on 18 September 2022.

Note:  Apply for your preferred market – you can apply for and participate in only one stream.