“The GCC is New Zealand’s fifth largest trading partner and with that entails an investment from us to continue that relationship and build on it as companies continue to grow that investment.”
Some companies that Smith said are doing well here are chicken brand Tegel and dairy company Fonterra.
Gelato and coffee supplier Sparrow International revealed at Gulfood that it is looking to expand its product range, diversifying more into “the kitchen and cooking side of things”, the company’s sales manager, Fadi Hijazi, revealed.
Through diversifying, Sparrow is also looking to increase its operations in Saudi Arabia, following the opening of its branch in Riyadh last month.
Growth across the MENA region is also on the cards for DMK, following Gulfood 2016, as it focuses on expanding its business in the dairy products sector, especially with Oldenburger as a key export brand in the region.
DMK managing director, MENA, India, Pakistan, Africa and South America Eusebio Gonzales revealed plans to expand: “We are the largest dairy company in Germany and we’re ranked in the top ten globally. Our next objective is to focus on Middle East expansion. We were really focused on European markets but in our current position, the only way to expand now is to look internationally.”
He added that besides the MENA markets, DMK is targeting China: “The decision to grow our company in this direction was made three years ago due to the continuing rapid growth of these markets. In the next few months we will begin packaging production here in Middle East, with full production moving here soon after. We feel it is important to have a physical presence in all the locations we operate in — and in the Middle East we are really focusing our efforts on three core areas: branding, distribution and food services.”
Speaking of the countries in particular DMK will target regionally, Gonzalez said: “We believe Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon and Jordan are key future markets for the company.”
The Middle East is one of Australian state Victoria's largest export destinations, with F&B exports worth more than US $1.2bn in 2014-2015. With that in mind, its government showcased the region’s produce at Gulfood, as part of a drive to boost exports to the fast growing region.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis commented: “The growing prosperity of the region is opening up enormous new opportunities for Victorian producers to boost exports of our world class products.”
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