Australian Meat sponsors Dubai ITCA 07

A total of 123 companies representing major airlines and other regional carriers, in-flight catering companies, cruise ship providers, food stuff producers and catering companies from 23 countries will take part in this event which aims to promote the travel catering sector. Unprecedented growth of the sector and huge investments revealed recently by big industry players will drive even greater interest in the event.

In his comment on this initiative Ian Ross, Regional Manager, Middle East & Africa, for Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) said:

"Our sponsorship of this high-profile international event in one of the world's fastest growing regions reflects our on-going commitment to the region and the catering and travel industries in particular. We recognize the importance of this fast growing market sector and the increasing need for high quality and safe food to meet the high expectations of this discerning sector."

The trade show will provide an opportunity for the Australian Meat industry to showcase its world's best on-farm practices to the latest industry initiatives, including food safety and quality assurance programs and menu development. "The UAE and the region have become leading markets in setting world-class quality standards in the food and catering industry and the Australian meat industry is well-positioned, with its rigid quality and safety assurance programs, to meet these standards", said Ross.

Earlier this year, MLA reported a record in Australian halal red meat exports to the UAE and the region, an achievement that MLA boasts as indicator of consumer trust and recognition.

Continuing in its commitment to the UAE, MLA will, in May 2008 in Dubai, conduct the Global Final of its Prestigious Black Box Culinary Challenge. This will feature 84 chefs, representing 21 teams from 5-star hotels from around the world.