New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is celebrating remarkable growth in trade between the country and the GCC. 

 

In the last year, there has been a region-wide boom in trade between New Zealand and the region, based mostly around the food and beverage sector.

 

Recent trade figures show a Compound Annual Growth Rate* (CAGR) over the last five years of around 26 per cent, with food and beverages now accounting for 80.2 per cent of New Zealand’s total exports to the UAE (2010 figures). Based on this increased demand for New Zealand ingredients, there are now more than 75 New Zealand F&B companies doing business with clients in the UAE.  

From succulent beef to incredible ice cream, the small nation is packing a powerful punch when it comes to high quality ingredients straight from its shores to the region’s hotels, retail outlets and restaurants.  

 

Steve Jones, New Zealand Consul General and Trade Commissioner for Middle East and Africa, said: “Our specialised staff and extensive business links help connect Gulf businesses, investors and entrepreneurs with New Zealand trade and investment opportunities. Our role has always been to help boost export earnings by helping New Zealand businesses looking to set up or grow abroad.”

 

“In terms of our home-grown produce - the quality, taste and expertise speak for themselves. Across the region, nationals and expats alike expect the best, and seeking food and drink that comes from New Zealand is a sure way to ensure you are getting the absolute best. We export more than half our total food production so our food and beverage producers understand the high standards expected by discerning buyers in this region. Traceability is becoming a key issue and people buying food products manufactured in New Zealand can be sure it is pure and unadulterated” Jones says.

 

Fueling business

The New Zealand government’s national economic development agency has worked with firms such as gourmet burger chain BurgerFuel, who have rapidly created an impressive foothold across the region. 

 

“BurgerFuel has a very strong brand identity and a great New Zealand taste experience. They’re involved in our ‘Beachheads’ programme designed to assist high-growth New Zealand companies expand even faster. BurgerFuel has now opened its sixth store in the region in Dubai’s Mirdif City Centre shopping Mall and is opening soon in Abu Dhabi with its UAE partners Al Khayyat Investments,” says Jones.

 

Chris Mason, BurgerFuel CEO - International Markets, says “the UAE and the wider Middle East region are priority markets for us and we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve received from both UAE nationals and expats. It’s really important to us that as we expand internationally we continue to deliver the world’s best burger experience, wherever we are.”

 

One of the main reasons for the popularity of BurgerFuel is not only its energetic environment and great service, but the fact that it sources all of its 100% pure grass fed beef from New Zealand. The beef in every BurgerFuel burger is also Halal approved, MSG free and non-GM (IP).

 

“As the hotel and hospitality sector continues to grow in this region, we are delighted to work with New Zealand firms providing first-class products and dining experiences to discerning consumers,” says Jones.