When exploring Middle Eastern markets for the export of UK food and drink products, Qatar is one of the leading countries in the region to consider.
The country is the UK’s 34th largest trading partner, and there are strong political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. UK exports to Qatar were valued at just under £4 billion last year, demonstrating the market potential for businesses.
As the host of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar is set to see a significant influx of tourists from around the globe, providing an opportunity for UK food and drink companies to get their products in front of a large, diverse audience.
Why is Qatar An Attractive Export Market for UK Food and Drink Brands?
There are several reasons why Qatar is an attractive market for UK food and drink businesses. Namely, Qatar has one of the highest levels of GDP per capita in the world, making it an affluent market. The discerning population favours high-quality food and drink products, and there is significant demand for premium and luxury items.
Qatar also has a growing hospitality sector as the country prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. This presents opportunities for UK businesses supplying food and drink products to hotels, restaurants, and cafes. In addition, of the 2.8 million population, over 2 million are expatriates, providing a ready market for UK products that are familiar and trusted.
Lastly, English is widely spoken, and the UK brand is highly regarded in Qatar, giving the UK brand a competitive advantage.
Which British Food and Drink Products are In High Demand in Qatar?
With the World Cup around the corner, there is a growing demand for British halal food products. Qatar has a large Muslim population, and businesses that can supply halal-certified products will be well-positioned to take advantage of this export opportunity.
Other popular food and drink items exported from the UK to Qatar include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Chocolate and confectionery
- Biscuits
- Canned goods
- Dairy products (including British cheeses)
- Free-from products
- Frozen products
Speak to Leverbrook Export Today Regarding the Export of UK Food and Drink Products to Qatar
At Leverbrook Export, we have 50 years of experience exporting food and drink products worldwide, including to Qatar. As a UK export company with decades-long relationships with freight forwarders and people on the ground in Qatar, we can help to make your exporting journey as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
We understand the cultural nuances and requirements of exporting to Qatar, and we can provide invaluable guidance on the most in-demand products and how to successfully enter the Qatari market.
Likewise, if you’re a Qatari importer looking to test and trial British products in your domestic market, we can assist with that too. We offer a range of services to make importing from the UK easy, including product sourcing, shipping, logistics, and documentation.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you import or export UK food and drink products to Qatar. We are available by phone at +44 (0) 151 645 3517 or via email at garyj@leverbrook-export.co.uk.