Demand for Italian Food Products in the UAE Push up Exports to over USD 350 Million

A greater awareness of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet combined with a booming Italian restaurant scene in the UAE and a growing demand for quality Italian produce have seen Italian food exports to the UAE cross USD 350 million. 190 Italian companies are participating in Gulfood exhibition this year to make further inroads into the market; and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is hosting the Italian Food Lab with live cooking stations with expert Chefs well known for their Italian culinary creations.

According to Gianpaolo Bruno, Trade Commissioner to the UAE, Oman and Pakistan at the Italian Trade Agency: “UAE is the largest market in the GCC for Italian food products. We want to use our participation at Gulfood to educate the HORECA sector and the consumers of the importance of buying authentic Italian products, our food traditions and heritage; and the health benefits of Mediterranean diet. Italian food sector remains heavily fragmented, with many of the companies being small to medium and family run businesses. It is tough for them to compete with big international players but in terms of quality, heritage and authenticity, they have no competition.”

He adds: “Progress in food technology, promotion of “Made in Italy” products, increasing consumer awareness of identifying authentic products by the EU quality logos, PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication); and health conscious consumers are helping the Italian food industry grow. Growth in recent years has been strongest in the production of frozen foods, pasta, and roasted coffee. Events like Gulfood gives our food sector an opportunity to showcase their talent, history and commitment to quality.”

ITA will also highlight the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and easy ways to cook an Italian meal, by hosting live cooking stations at the show.

The Mediterranean diet involves a high consumption of vegetables and olive oil and moderate consumption of protein and desserts. At Gulfood, visitors can meet with Italian companies producing the best olive oil, fresh and aged cheese, pasta, tomatoes, cold cuts, seafood and famous Italian pastries and coffee.  Studies have shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease.