Audio: U.S. Beef, Lamb Showcased at Gulfood Show in Dubai

Gulfood 2015, which has grown into one of the world’s largest food exhibitions, is underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. More than 80,000 food industry professionals from 150 countries are expected to attend the five-day event.

John Brook, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) regional director for Europe, Russia and the Middle East, explains that Gulfood was once a fairly small, regional food show, but now rivals large European exhibitions such as ANUGA and SIAL in size and scope. He notes that demand for high-quality meat continues to grow in the Middle East, despite the recent slump in oil prices.

While beef is the main item USMEF is showcasing at Gulfood, there is also growing demand in the region for U.S. lamb. Brook says USMEF chef workshops featuring U.S. lamb were conducted in Dubai last year. These proved successful, and similar activities are planned in the near future.



TRANSCRIPT:

Joe Schuele: In this U.S. Meat Export Federation report, we speak with John Brook, USMEF regional director for Europe, Russia and the Middle East. This week Brook is in Dubai for Gulfood 2015, which has grown into one of the world’s largest food exhibitions.

John Brook: Gulfood has really come along in the last few years. Time back, it was really a very regional show, but these days it has become as big of an international show as the European ANUGA or SIAL. Dubai is a fantastic location, and it is the trade show for the whole of the Middle East and Africa, and attracts quite a lot of attention from parts of Asia as well. Of course, with the decline in the oil price, people can ask what’s going to go on in the Middle East. But in those markets where U.S. beef has been developing very nicely in the Gulf region, those countries of course they were dependent on energy exports, they have strong sovereign wealth funds and we’re not seeing any slowdown in the economic situation there. There’s still plenty of building going on, lots of projects and hotels. Even more shopping complexes, and stronger retail growth and still lots and lots of restaurants, family-dining concepts opening. So the growth in meat consumption and in high quality meat consumption is there and it’s really good to see.

Joe Schuele: While beef is the main item USMEF is showcasing at Gulfood, there is also growing demand in the Middle East region for U.S. lamb.

John Brook: In 2014, we had lamb workshops with chefs in the Emirates, in Dubai. That went very well. And since then, there has been an increase in exports from the United States going to that region and so we will continue that work this year.

Joe Schuele: For more on Gulfood, and other USMEF activities, please visit USMEF.org. For the U.S. Meat Export Federation, I’m Joe Schuele.