Australian lamb exports to the Middle East during the 2005-06 financial year increased by 35%, to a record high of 16,177 tonnes sw, with Australia’s reputation for rigid food safety systems and reliable supply as key factors behind the increase.
Shipments to the region have been buoyant on the back of a range of factors, including; great consumer confidence in Australian food safety systems and Halal procedures,increased regional wealth due to stronger oil revenues, reduced competition from other lamb exporters and a reduction in consumption of poultry due to consumer fears relating to bird flu.
Exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accounted for more than half of all lamb shipments for the period. Exports to the UAE increased 40% on the previous year, to 9,016 tonnes sw.
Exports to Jordan increased significantly, up 183%, to 1,806 tonnes sw, while shipments to Saudi Arabia increased 6%, to 4208 tonnes sw.
Overall, the growth of Australian meat export continues into 2006 with beef, in particular, returning on a strength of reputation for food safety and rigid quarantine standards and the popularity of great tasting high value steak cuts in the five star food service sector. Integrity of Halal system (protected by Australian government legislation) is always a strongly influential factor as well.
