Qatar, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, has become a key market for British food and drink exports. With a growing expatriate community, a thriving hospitality sector, and a local population that values premium, high-quality products, Qatar presents a significant opportunity for businesses looking to import British food and drink products.
Recently, Qatar has jumped into the UK’s top 30 export markets, and over £5 billion in goods and services is imported from Britain to Qatar each year.
At Leverbrook Export, we’ve been helping businesses across the Middle East source and import British food and drink for over 50 years. We are proud to support Qatari businesses in bringing the best of British produce to their customers.
Why British Food and Drink Products Are in Demand in Qatar
There are several factors driving the demand for British food and drink in Qatar. The obvious starting point is the strong British expat community here, which numbers over 20,000 and continues to grow year-on-year thanks to the draw of higher wages, paid accommodation, and minimal taxation. Many of these expats are desperate for creature comforts from home, including tea, biscuits, meats, cheeses, and confectionary products.
The hospitality industry has also received a host boost after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, significantly increasing tourist numbers. With luxury hotels, restaurants, and catering services catering to international tourists and residents, the demand for high-end imported products has jumped. In that respect, British food and drink brands, known for their quality, fit perfectly into Qatar’s premium hospitality offerings.
Lastly, Qatari consumers have a strong appreciation for premium, high-quality products, and British brands have a reputation for excellence. From gourmet cheeses to artisanal chocolates, British food and drink products are considered luxurious and trustworthy, making them a perfect fit for Qatar’s affluent population.
Which British Food and Drink Products are the Best to Import to Qatar?
Several British food and drink products are in high demand in Qatar, both among expatriates and local consumers. As mentioned, British tea brands, including Twinings, PG Tips, and Yorkshire Tea, are always sought after. Likewise, their natural counterparts, such as biscuits from brands such as McVities, are always appreciated.
British chocolates and sweets are incredibly popular in Qatar, with brands like Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, Thorntons, and Quality Street enjoying a loyal customer base. The unique flavours and high quality of British confectionery have made them a favourite for gifting and personal indulgence. As highlighted, cheese is also highly desired, especially speciality flavours.
Perhaps the fastest-growing products regarding importation are halal-certified, particularly British halal meat, which is renowned for its quality. Leverbrook Export can source a wide range of halal-certified meat and ready-to-eat meals, which is ideal for both the retail and hospitality sectors.
Lastly, like many other Gulf countries, there’s also a growing market for free-from foods and premium organic produce. Thus, categories such as gluten-free and plant-based products are excellent options for importers.
Why Choose Leverbrook Export as Your Import Partner for Qatar?
Leverbrook Export boasts over 50 years of experience exporting to the Middle East. It’s our busiest region as a company and we know all of the importation requirements inside and out.
We handle all aspects of your importation to provide a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here’s what we provide to our Qatari customers:
- Freight and logistics – both sea and airfreight options available
- Customs paperwork and clearance requirements
- Groupage and consolidation services – order small quantities by sharing a container to trial new products with very little financial risk
- Relabelling services – we relabel products into Arabic to meet Qatari requirements
- Handle all documentation, including proof of halal certification, etc.
When you partner with us you get everything you need without any of the potential associated headaches.
Get the Best of British Produce by Importing to Qatar
With an affluent consumer base and strong British ties, importing British food and drink products to Qatar could prove a very successful strategy for your business. Whether you represent a hotel chain or a specialist wholesale importation business, we’d love to hear from you and demonstrate why it makes sense to hand over the importation process to the experts.
With over 50 years of experience in the food and drink export industry, an extensive network of suppliers, and a deep understanding of both the British and Qatari markets, we can deliver high-quality British products at competitive prices while ensuring a smooth and hassle-free import process.
If you’re ready to bring the best of British food and drink to Qatar, contact us today to request a no-obligation quote. Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process, from product selection and logistics to compliance and labelling. You can reach us at +44 (0) 151 645 3517 or via email at info@leverbrook-export.co.uk.