06/28/07 Middle East is a growing US dairy export market

Beirut, Lebanon is home for Nina Bakht who manages market development program in the Middle East on behalf of US DEC, the US Dairy Export Council. Having grown up in that area Bakht says the eating habits of many people in the Middle East are becoming increasingly westernized and that's an opportunity for American dairy. BAKHT "Cheese promotions held at grocery stores in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates have helped bring U.S. cheese directly to Middle Eastern consumers. As a result, U.S. dairy has seen a 5 percent boost in the supermarket retail sector every year since 2000." In part because of USDEC's promotions Bakht says US cheese has developed a high quality reputation in the Middle East and USDEC is working to build even stronger dairy export sales with participation in educational seminars, festivals and major food shows in the region. BAKHT -"Ideal conditions currently exist in the Middle East for continued expansion of US dairy, including limited trade restrictions, high per capita incomes and growing demand." Bakht says many Middle Eastern consumers are becoming more interested in nutrition and as a result exports predict a five to six percent increase in dairy demand through 2010. It's another chance for cheese making states like Idaho to look at expanding export sales in the Middle East and other spots around the globe. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott