
KUWAIT: Kuwait is the largest live sheep export market for Australia and is the second largest importer of dairy products, says Warren Hauck, Ambassador of Australia to Kuwait as he spoke at the launch of 'Taste Australia' event Wednesday night. A group of agriculture people from the State of Victoria presented its prime food products at Radisson Blu Hotel in front of invited guests. The Horticulture Innovation Australia, Meat Livestock Australia in partnership with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission are in the road show in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait) to showcase its unique food and beverages experience.
"With the growth of food import sales in Kuwait, which increased by around 8.76 percent in 2016, Kuwait continues to be strong partner for Australian network," he said. "The Middle East region has been an important export market for the Australian dairy industry. In 2016/2017, Australia exported over 41,000 tons of dairy products to the region worth nearly 159 million Australian Dollars. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been the top three importing countries for Australia's safe and quality dairy products."
The Middle East and North Africa market is now Australia's largest in terms of sheep meat exports, according to Hauck. "The total volume of lamb and mutton meat combined exported in 2016 was 123,320 tons with a value of 694.3 million Australian Dollars," he said. "Australia beef, veal and offal exports to the region have also seen growth in high value items such as grain-fed beef, angus and Wagyu products."
Australian food products can be found in all supermarkets in Kuwait. The 'Taste Australia' was also used as a venue for exhibiting agri-food from Australia and showcasing the skills of Executive Chef Tim Hollands who demonstrated in front of the attendees some of his menus using Aussie premium food products. It was also designed to network for some food suppliers in Kuwait.
By Ben Garcia