US Organic Food Exports Face Competition, Opportunities in UAE

There may be growing opportunities for U.S. organic food exporters in the United Arab Emirates, but they will likely face increasing competition from “recognized brands,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service said in a Sept. 14 report. USDA said it’s seeing growing demand by UAE consumers for “fresh food, natural, organic, healthy, and free-from products,” especially for beef and chicken, as consumers are looking “for healthier and natural products over processed foods.” But UAE consumers still prefer brand name foods. “U.S. potential suppliers need to think long term, be persistent, and focus on marketing activities both in the digital and traditional space to acquire brand recognition and shelf position,” USDA said. The U.S. ranked third behind the European Union and India in exports of “consumer oriented products” to the UAE in 2020.