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Food and Beverage to the UAE and Middle East

Free support for eligible businesses to export health food, fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, nuts, dairy, meat, seafood and non-alcoholic beverages to the United Arab Emirates and Middle East. Applications have closed.

Program dates

November 2021 to April 2022

Key event

Gulfood, 13 to 17 February 2022

Why this market

There is strong global demand for Australian food and beverage products and especially from the wider ‘Middle East’ Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The GCC region has low agricultural output and high disposable income. By 2022, the region’s food and beverage market will be worth AUD$267 billion.

The consumption mix is shifting towards convenient foods, healthy foods and dining-out. Domestic food and beverage manufacturing that relies on imported inputs is also rising.

Having adopted innovations in food-tech, NSW ;businesses can take advantage of the emerging industry trends and satisfy the growing niche consumer. 

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

  • Have headquarters in NSW
  • Be export-capable and export-ready 
  • Have between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees 
  • Have a valid ABN (Australian Business Number) registered for NSW 
  • Have a commercial product or service
  • Have a website featuring the product or service (marketing and promotional costs might be reimbursed through the NSW Export Assistance Grant)  
  • Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the market
  • Have a product or service that is produced primarily in NSW
  • Be willing to travel to Sydney for events and to the selected market (where and when COVID-19 restrictions permit travel), and must cover their own travel expenses
  • Not be considered a trader (meaning the Program is for businesses that produce and add value in NSW)

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 
  • 2020–21 NSW Going Global Export Program “UAE and Middle East” participants 

Curriculum

Export workshops

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

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 

Introductions and opportunities 

  • Virtual participation and exhibition at Gulfood, 13 to 17 February 2022 
  • 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.

Applications have closed

Applications closed on Friday 29 October 2021.