October 7, 2005

Australia will expand red meat exports in Middle East

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) managing director Mark Spurr said that the Middle East continued to hold great potential for Australian red meat exports, following his recent visit to the region.

His visit sought to strengthen relationships between the Australian red meat and livestock industry and its key Middle Eastern trading partners.

Spurr added that the Middle Eastern market for Australian red meat was important and growing, especially in demand for lamb and mutton. Australia's live export trade there was also very important, with a value of A$253 million the previous financial year, he said.

According to Spurr, Australian red meat and livestock demand in the Middle East was growing due to factors such as security of food supplies, rising affluence and a growing modern retail sector in the region.

Spurr had also held discussions with government officials, retailers, and importers in Dubai, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

He said that while feedback there indicated Australian meat and livestock were seen as safe, of high quality and reliable, there were also concerns about rising prices and supply availability. These issues were in light of the strong Australian dollar and the country's recent drought.