News From : DagangHalal.com (03 Apr 2009)
DOHA: Qatar has become the third largest market in the region for Australian beef and mutton. People in Qatar consumed more Australian meat products in 2008 compared to 2007, according to a report issued recently by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
tThe report showed that sale of Australian red meat in the Qatari market soared by 6.7 pc in 2008, with overall sales in the year reaching 7,947 tons against 7,471 tons in 2007.
The report ranked Qatar as the third largest market in the region for Australian beef products which recorded an increase in sales of 65 percent, jumping from 658 tons in 2007 to 1,087 tons in 2008.
The rise was due partially to increased demand by consumers and five-star hotels, and mainly to growth of boneless beef sales for manufacturing hamburgers and frozen retail meat products.
Qatar was also the third largest market for Australian mutton products, whose sales increased by 2.6 pc to reach 6,179 tons in 2008 from 6,024 tons in 2007. Australian lamb and offal sales changed slightly during 2008 to reach 519 tons and 188 tons, respectively.
Ian Ross, MLA Regional Manager – MEA Region claimed that the growth in sales was due to the “great confidence in Australia’s food safety systems, animal health and welfare and the integrity of the Australian Halal system”.
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