Buyers Show Avid Interest in U.S. Beef at Gulfood Trade Show in Dubai
Hear/Download the Audio Report HERE.
Gulfood is one of the largest food trade shows in the world, attracting tens of thousands of prospective buyers to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Reporting from a busy USA Pavilion at Gulfood, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says the Gulf Region’s rebounding foodservice sector has heightened interest in U.S. beef. Gulfood also offers opportunities to meet with buyers from Africa, Europe and other regions. USMEF’s participation in Gulfood is made possible through support from USDA, the Beef Checkoff Program and the Texas Beef Council.
In addition to promoting the unique attributes of U.S. beef, the visit to Dubai also provided an opportunity to address market access obstacles that slowed last year’s beef exports to the UAE, which is traditionally the region’s highest value destination for U.S. beef exports. Halstrom says efforts are ongoing to help the U.S. industry meet the UAE’s halal certification requirements and to reduce interruptions in trade.
Despite a fourth quarter slowdown in the UAE, beef exports to the Middle East rebounded in 2024, climbing 19% year-over-year to more than 52,000 metric tons. Export value also increased 12% to $230 million.