F&B value crosses $20b as UAE non-oil trade posts 27% surge

F&B value crosses $20b as UAE non-oil trade posts 27% surge

The steady growth of UAE’s F&B exports indicates that the country’s food manufacturing sector is maturing, developing and supporting the national food security agenda. —Supplied photo

The growing momentum behind the UAE’s F&B trade reflects the country’s successful efforts and initiatives implemented to diversify import and export markets.

Published: Mon 14 Feb 2022, 6:56 PM Last updated: Mon 14 Feb 2022, 8:06 PM

Food and beverage trade recorded a value of over $20 billion in the first nine months of 2021 as the non-oil foreign trade posted a 27 per cent surge in the first half, data from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce shows.

The surge in F&B trade was driven by growing demand and expanded efforts to enhance food security and diversify food imports, Hassan Al Hashemi, vice-president, International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, said at a briefing on the sidelines of Gulfood 2022 in Dubai. The event was attended by Saleh Abdullah Lootah, chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, and 200 participants from 48 countries.

The growing momentum behind the UAE’s F&B trade reflects the country’s successful efforts and initiatives implemented to diversify import and export markets, Al Hashemi said.

India, the second-largest trade partner of the Emirates, was its top