The Middle East is one of the largest importers of French dairy products, according to research from the country’s official cheese board, the Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Economie Laitière (CNIEL).
The research puts the Middle East ahead of China, the US, Switzerland and Australia.
Of the US$8 billion of French dairy produce exported around the world, over $400 million is sold to the Middle East. However, Saudi Arabia receives the most French dairy produce, imported $143.5 million worth of the goods.
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CNIEL communication director M. Laurent Damiens commented: “The tastes of GCC residents are undoubtedly evolving as they become more familiar with French products, particularly as more Middle East residents decide to vacation in European countries such as France.
"The quality of French produce is renowned around the world. This, in addition to favourable pricing, means the Middle East is an extremely important market to us.”
Sopexa Middle East account director Edwina Salvatori added: “As the number of French cheese exporters continues to grow, the market is becoming highly competitive and responsive to consumer needs."
The amount of cheese imported from France to Saudi Arabia has almost tripled between 2011 and 2015, to reach almost 10,000 tonnes this year.
During the same period, there was a 21% rise in French cheese imports to the UAE, reaching almost 2,500 tonnes per year.
As the world’s second largest cheese exporter and largest specialty cheese exporter, France produces more than 1,200 varieties of cheese – 34% of which is exported.
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