Interest in Pakistani food products will grow

As consumers across the UAE and Middle East region continue to shift towards more healthier lifestyles, the demand for Pakistani products, specifically the fruits and vegetables segment, will continue to increase, experts at the Pakistan Pavilion at Gulfood 2019 said.
Ahmed Amjad Ali, consul general of Pakistan in Dubai, inaugurated the pavilion, which features 56 companies, exhibiting under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). The companies, ranging from rice producers to confectionery, are participating under the banner of 'Emerging Pakistan' - a new initiative by the TDAP.
Ali said that he was pleased with the strong participation of the companies at the exhibition and noted that Pakistan food exports had been witnessing a steady growth over the past few years.
"Pakistan's global food exports were worth over $4.8 billion during the 2017-2018 period, a growth of over 29 per cent," he told Khaleej Times. "We are confident that this number will only continue to increase as more of the world discovers the high quality of our food exports. Pakistani products have generated a strong following, not just in the UAE, but across the world."
Dr Nasir Khan, commercial councellor at the Consulate General of Pakistan - Trade Division, noted that in addition to a steady growth in demand for rice, the country has also witnessed a sharp increase in demand for vegetables and fruits. "Almost all of our export food products are organic, which caters to a growing population of consumers that are conscious about their health and lifestyle. Fish and fish products have also seen a sharp increase in demand."
Elaborating on the increase in exports, he said: "There was a 29 per cent increase in rice exports in 2018, compared to the previous year. Fruit exports grew five per cent in the same period, and vegetable exports recorded a sharp 31 per cent increase. In addition, we also noticed a three to four per cent increase in our meat and meat products exports. Moving forward, we are going to be focusing on the 'Made in Pakistan' brand and educating consumers on the very best that Pakistan has to offer."
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com