Australian red meat sales in the Middle East increased by 22 per cent in the second quarter this year reaching 22,838 tons compared to the same period in 2007 when 16,401 tons were consumed, according to the latest report issued by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the international marketing arm of Australian meat and livestock exporters.

The report showed that growth occurred across the full range of Australian red meat products.

Sales of Australian mutton products achieved a 36 per cent increase, growing from 10,000 tons in Q2 of 2007 to 13,650 tons in the same quarter of 2008.

Australian beef and veal sales recorded a stunning 234 per cent increase, as sales grew sharply from 793 tons in Q2 of 2007 to 2,646 tons in the second quarter this year. Compared to Q1 of this year, beef and veal products sales have increased by 275 tons, scoring an 11.60 pc increase.

During the first half of the year Aussie lamb and mutton products recorded a 14 per cent increase in comparison to the same period of 2007, as sales increased from 10.518 tons to 11,983 tons and from 26,372 to 30,185, respectively. Beef and veal products outperformed other meat categories as sales soared from 1,626 to 5,018 tons, marking a 209 per cent increase.  

Overall, sales of Australian red meat products totaled 47,266 tons in the first half of 2008 compared to 38,516 tons in the same period of last year - a 22.71 per cent increase.

Commenting on Q2 results, Ian Ross, MLA Regional Manager - MEA Region, said: “The increase in sales of various Australian red meat products in the Middle East market reflects the great consumer confidence for Australia’s food safety systems, animal health and welfare and the integrity of the Australian halal system. “These impressive results were also partially due to the fact that, contrary to prevailing economic conditions of rising costs and high inflation, Australian red meat products have managed to keep reasonably stable prices in Middle East markets,” he added.

© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)