WESTERN Australian lamb, truffle and lupin companies are among a trade delegation aiming to increase market opportunities in the Middle East.
The Department of Agriculture and Food will lead a contingent of Western Australian companies involved in the Gulfood 2012 exhibition in Dubai.
Gulfood runs from 19 to 22 February and is the world’s biggest annual trade exhibition for the food and beverage industry.
Department Trade Director Simon Johnson said the Middle East was an important and growing market for Western Australian produce.
“In 2010-11, Western Australia exported around $1 billion worth of produce to markets in the Middle East, led by grains, livestock and meat,” Mr Johnson said.
“Many of these countries depend on imports to fill the gap between limited domestic food production and demand from a growing population base.
“In recent years we have seen significant developments such as Western Australian wheat being exported to Saudi Arabia for the first time in 20 years.
“The aim of this delegation is to build on our State’s already solid reputation as an agrifood exporter to the region and also showcase the variety of produce that Western Australia has to offer.”
Mr Johnson said while the Middle East was the main focus, buyers would be attending from around the world including Russia, Europe, UK, India and Malaysia.
The Western Australian presence at Gulfood will include 25 companies whose products range from truffles to lupins to lamb, beef and barramundi, olive oil and honey. Industry body Fruit West will also be attending.
Department liaison officer Carolyn Hine will be on hand to assist with meetings, product promotion and support.
Coorow Seeds food science project officer Dr Shyamala Vishnumohan said the exhibition had provided a great opportunity to showcase the potential use of lupin grain in Arabic roti-style flat bread as a healthy alternative choice for consumers.