France, the world’s top exporter of processed food products, sees strong demand for its poultry products in the Middle East market, specially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a top industry expert told Khaleej Times yesterday, 21 February.

On the first day of Gulfood 2010, Eric Santier, managing director for Sopexa Middle East – a specialised body in marketing and communications for the French food and beverage industry – told the newspaper; "The region accounts for around nine per cent of the total French food products exports. Although numbers are not big, improving every year."

The European country is participating at Gulfood with over 100 exhibitors. Running until 24 February, the 15th edition of Gulfood 2010 is the biggest event in the show's history in terms of space exhibition space and number of participating countries, its organisers said.

The two main markets in the region for French products are Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who together represent 50 per cent of the turnover. They have imported worth €173 million and €123 million, respectively, over the first 11 months of 2009, according to French customs data.

Historically, French exports to the Middle East were essentially made up of poultry, dairy products and apples. Today, however, the offering has become much wider, with also significant exports of sweets, delicatessen products, mineral water and other beverages.

Mr Santier added: "France, Europe's leading producer of farm and agri-food products, is targeting the Middle East Market as an opportunity for future growth."

This year, 62 exhibitors will be animating the 820 square metres of the French Food and Ingredients Pavilion, organised by Sopexa with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, reports Khaleej Times.