May 23, 2013

In the next five years, Australia aims to increase its dairy exports to Saudi Arabiafrom 28,000 tonnes or US$80 million to 50,000 tonnes.

This is according to Peter Myers, Dairy Australia's international trade development manager.

"Australian dairy products are of high quality and Saudi Arabia is a potential market for us. There's much scope for improving our dairy exports to the Kingdom," he said during a seminar on Australia's dairy industry.

He said the Saudi economy is strong and the population touches 28 million. At present, he said major local players like Almarai and Luna have been importing dairy products from Australia. "Aside from hoping that these companies import more, we also aim to sell more for retail and for the food service industry," Myers said.

He said that while the Kingdom is a dairy consumer country, it also imports from other countries like the US and Europe.

To penetrate the Saudi market as well as those of other countries in the Middle East, Myers said, Murray Goulburn Cooperative has set up an office in Dubai, a major importer for Australian dairy products in the Gold Coast City. Its import value crosses US$102 million.

Australia knows the requirement of the Kingdom and other Islamic countries regarding food and it has adhered to standards regarding halal products, he added.

"There are Saudi inspectors who visit our farms, cows and factories to make sure that we follow halal standards," Myers said.