Cultural synergies will boost UAE-Israel F&B trade

Cultural synergies between the UAE and Israel offer great potential for food and beverage (F&B) trade between the two countries, Israeli industry executives said at Gulfood 2021 on Monday.

“Similarities between halal and Kosher slaughter create tremendous opportunities between the UAE, Israel and other GCC markets. Companies that are serving one or the other markets can connect by making sure that they meet import-export requirements of both the countries. It is a tremendous opportunity and we are talking about countries that are heavily reliant on food imports,” said Rabbi Zvi Holland, director of special projects at Star K, which provides certification for the Jewish food Kosher.

“In order to export to Israel, you have to meet cultural requirements. And most important is to have an agency that is recognised by chief rabbi of Israel. You need to have a professional organisation on your side to make it happen. Israel is a protein heavy culture. Imports of of meat is an incredible opportunity,” he added.

The UAE and Israel signed Abraham Accord on September 15, 2020 to normalise relations between the two countries. Since then, bilateral trade has been surging at an exponential pace.

He pointed out that beef, meat and poultry etc. have the largest trade growth potential and Israel is extremely advanced in meat processing and many similar products this market will love.

While speaking at the Gulfood 2021, Gal Ben-Moshe, a well-known Kosher chef in Berlin, said there is a lot of potential for Israeli-UAE F&B firms in terms of sharing of knowledge and technologies.

“Israel exports premier products and UAE imports quality products so there is no reason to thrive on this cooperation. There are premium products on both sides to trade,” said Moshe.

-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com