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United Arab Emirates: a market that demands Italian food

United Arab Emirates: a market that demands Italian food

TLDR
  • The United Arab Emirates are the main market for Italian exports in the Middle East and North Africa, and Italy is seventh among the supplying countries.
  • Italy ranks third among the European partners of the UAE, confirming excellent trade relations with Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
  • The Emirati market imports about 90% of food products, finished foods, and ingredients, with global imports growing year after year.
  • Pasta, baked goods, sweets and kiwis are among the Italian products in demand, while cheese and dairy products have seen an increase in exports.
  • Octagona boasts over ten years of experience in internationalization and a structured presence in Dubai to support food companies.

Octagona assists companies that want to export Italian food to the UAE

For several years now, the United Arab Emirates has been one of the main countries that can offer the best business opportunities. Italy's relations with Abu Dhabi and Dubai are excellent: the Emirates are the main outlet market for our exports to the Middle East and North Africa, and Italy ranks seventh among supplier countries (third among European partners). Based on these elements, what are the most interesting sectors in which to sell?

Food, a major strength of Italian exports, is undoubtedly one of them! The sector, thanks in part to the expansion of tourism, catering and retail, is on the rise: the Emirati market imports about 90% of food products, finished foods and ingredients, and overall imports are increasing year after year.

In regards to Made in Italy, demand is also high. Our products enjoy particular appreciation in the Arab country, and local consumers have always been sensitive to Italian quality: not surprisingly, the UAE ranks among the leading importers of Italian food in the entire Middle East region. To view the value and growth of our exports in recent years click here.

As well as baked goods, sweets, kiwis, and of course, pasta, special mention should be made of cheeses and dairy products, the export of which has soared in recent years.

Octagona, thanks to its experience of more than ten years in business internationalization and its structured presence in Dubai, is able to support Italian companies in the sector interested in selling their products in the UAE, developing specific projects and following the client's requests.

If you are interested in gaining access to the inside of one of the fastest growing markets globally, call us at 059.9770184 or email us at [email protected]: you will meet with one of our consultants to build, together with you, the best internationalization path.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the United Arab Emirates an interesting market for exporting Italian food?

The United Arab Emirates are interesting because they import about 90% of their food products, finished foods and ingredients, with global imports increasing every year. This is complemented by the expansion of tourism, catering and retail, as well as a strong awareness among local consumers of the quality of Made in Italy products.

How much does Italy contribute to trade with the United Arab Emirates?

Italy is the seventh supplier country to the United Arab Emirates and the third among European partners. The UAE is also the main market for Italian exports in the Middle East and North Africa. Relations with Abu Dhabi and Dubai are excellent and favor business opportunities for Italian companies.

Which Italian food products are in highest demand in the United Arab Emirates?

In the United Arab Emirates, baked goods, sweets, kiwis and, of course, pasta are in demand. A special mention goes to Italian cheeses and dairy products, whose exports have seen a real surge in recent years. The UAE ranks among the main importers of Italian food in the entire Middle East region.

How dependent are the United Arab Emirates on food imports?

The United Arab Emirates imports about 90% of the food products, finished foods and ingredients it consumes. Global imports are growing year by year, supported by the expansion of tourism, catering and retail. This dependence on foreign goods creates space for Italian food companies that want to enter the market.

How can an Italian food company start selling in the United Arab Emirates with a consultant?

An Italian company can rely on a local presence consulting firm to develop a specific project based on the client’s requests. Octagona, with over ten years of experience in internationalization and a structured office in Dubai, assists food industry companies. The first step is an appointment with a consultant, which can be requested by phone or email.

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