Demand for Russian Food Products in UAE Continues to Grow - REC

The first tasting pavilion of Russian food was officially opened on 18 February 2019 in Dubai, UAE, featuring more than 100 kinds of products from 36 manufacturers, including confectionery, pasta, cereals, meat and chicken products.

Russian agricultural products have been steadily conquering the Middle East market for the past three years, with the country’s tasting pavilion in Dubai (UAE) helping exporters sell food merchandise worth 25 million rubles in 2021, according to the Russian Export Center JSC (REC, part of Russia's national economic development institution - VEB.RF).

Arab buyers have shown particular appreciation for confectionery, cereals, meat products and soft drinks. Last year, “Korovka” wafers were the best seller after they had been specially adapted to match the tastes of Arab customers. They can be found in retail chains and in major UAE supermarkets, such as Carrefour and Al Maya.

Russian waffles are bought not only because local people like the taste, but also due to their inexpensive price, the REC reported. The Center clarified that "the demand for Russian goods in Dubai has been growing steadily over the past three years."

It added that since 2020, Russian products have become increasingly recognized on store shelves not only in the United Arab Emirates, but also in other countries of the Persian Gulf.

“In addition to cereals and confectionary, an array of healthy food products are also becoming popular,” adds the REC.

Furthermore, negotiations began this year with large distributors and retail chains in the region which are interested in buying dairy products and sunflower oil. Applications are also coming in for energy drinks, milk powder, sports nutrition and alternative meat products.

Currently, 45 producers are showcasing their goods in the tasting and demonstration pavilion of Russian agricultural products in Dubai, with 15 more planning to do so. A growing number of exporters are seeking information about how to ensure their products reach the shelves of the pavilion.

Besides Dubai, tasting pavilions with Made in Russia products are open in China, Vietnam and Egypt. Any visitor may taste and subsequently order goods from exporters presented there in any volume, from a wholesale batch to several samples.

On 18 February 2019 the official opening ceremony of the first Russian Food House took place in Dubai, attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Sergey Levin, and Consul General of the Russian Federation in Dubai (UAE) Oleg Fomin. Products had been certified by the Russian Halal certification authority for the export to the Middle East and North Africa market.