The Middle East continues to be a popular market for British food and drink exports, with over £300 million of UK produce set to arrive on the shores of the United Arab Emirates this year.
Not only is a lucrative market for British brands looking to expand to new international territories, but retailers operating within these markets are often looking to expand their offering of British produce to better meet the demands of their local expat population.
But which products can you export, and are there any restrictions?
Which Food and Drink Products Are Exported to the Middle East?
The good news is that you can export pretty much all food and drink products to the Middle East. There are some temporary and permanent bans on certain products from the UK, but in most instances these are raw agricultural products (such as poppy seeds) as opposed to finalised products you would expect to see on the supermarket shelves.
As a result, you can export any of the following items to Middle Eastern countries without any issues:
- Tinned Fruit & Vegetables
- Sauces, Dressings & Condiments
- Herbs, Spices & Condiments
- Cereals
- Coffee & Specialist Teas
- Soup & Stock Bases
- Capers & Olives
- Pasta, Rice, Grains & Pulses
- Bread & Cake Mixes
- Sugar & Sweeteners
- Pastry Cream, Marzipan & Custard Mixes
- Baking Chocolate
- Cake Fillings & Toppings
- Flour & Baking Powder
- Cheese
- Butter
- Fish & Seafood
- Meat and Charcuterie
- Cream & Dairy
- Vegan and Free From Lines
- Soft Drinks
- Tonics & Mixers
- Duck, Chicken & Turkey (Halal & Non Halal)
- Fish & Seafood
- Pork Sausage, Bacon & Gammon
- Pies & Pastries
- Meat Alternatives & Vegetables
- Wraps & Tortillas
- Cakes & Gateau
- Ice Cream & Mochi
The above list is by no means exhaustive and we would encourage you to contact us if your products or desired products don’t fall into any of the above categories.
How Can You Export Your UK Food and Drink to the Middle East?
In almost all cases, the best method for exporting your products worldwide (including to the Middle East) is by teaming up with an experienced British food and drink exporter such as Leverbrook Export.
Although we cannot speak on behalf of other UK food and drink exporters, we have developed a range of export options that will allow you to wholesale export your British goods to customers all over the globe.
Unlike other similar outfits, we offer both Air Freight and Sea Freight export services, meaning if you need products exported in a hurry, we have expedited options that could see your items land on the ground within 48 hours or less. Better still, we take care of all the documentation and relabelling services on your behalf, making your export process far more efficient.
Leverbrook Export Offers Industry-Leading Food and Drink Export Services to the Middle East
Whether you are a UK-based brand looking to expand your international reach or based in the Middle East and looking to increase your offering of Britain’s favourite food and drink brands, Leverbrook Export can help.
We have been exporting to countries within the Arabian Peninsula for almost 50 years, giving us unrivalled experience and expertise within these markets. With various export options available, including food export consolidation services right down to the pallet level, we can offer you the easiest route to market of any UK food and drink exporter.
Speak to a member of our team on +44 (0) 151 645 3517 or email us at garyj@leverbrook-export.co.uk to discuss your export enquiry in more detail.