Australia may be famous for many things — its movie stars such as Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and pop icon Kylie Minogue but its greatest export is a culinary one — the quality of its delicious halal meat.
With around 16 percent of Australia’s beef exports to the Middle East and North African region destined to the Kingdom and a surge in demand for high-quality grain-fed beef and wagyu, it seems Saudi Arabia does not get enough of this premium product.
The Kingdom is also the largest destination for Australian mutton in the region, accounting for 27 percent of shipments.
Tarek Ibrahim, celebrity chef and star of Fatafeat TV, says: “As one of the world’s greatest food-producing nations, Australia deserves and enjoys a reputation for excellence so it comes as no surprise that Australia produces some of the world’s greatest meat.”
Tarek Ibrahim adds: “When talking about meat, for me it has to be Australian. It’s the only country in the world where I truly trust the halal and food safety systems. It’s utterly delicious and a dream to cook with for anyone from a top executive chef to the home cook.”
Ibrahim said: “Australians are renowned for their ‘barbies’ and what better way to celebrate Australia Day than to relax with family and friends over a delicious barbecue. Surf between flavors and textures; for example, if you like steak that has a light and gentle flavor choose grain-fed beef and for a deeper flavor go for the grass-fed selection.”
He added: “The hand test can give you a good sense of how hot the grill or barbecue plate is. Hold your outstretched palm about 6cm from the heat. If you can only hold it above the heat for around a second it means it’s too hot. If you can hold your hand above the heat for three-four seconds it’s at a moderately high temperature, which is perfect for barbecuing. Any longer, say eight seconds, then the heat is too low. The barbecue should be hot enough to sizzle the meat as it makes contact with the plate or grill.”
Halal meat is Australia’s greatest export
Halal meat is Australia’s greatest export
Mexico eyes trade expansion, targets Saudi market with premium rice exports
RIYADH: Mexico is preparing to expand its trade ties with Saudi Arabia by exporting high-quality rice to the Kingdom, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
They said Mexico has an export offer for three premium rice varieties that meet the highest international standards.
Saudi Arabia imports limited quantities of Mexican rice, mainly for use in Mexican cuisine and in restaurants.
The latest initiative reflects the Kingdom’s position as one of the world’s largest rice consumers, with per capita consumption averaging 45.77 kilograms annually, the highest among plant-based food products.
Around 70 percent of consumption consists of basmati rice, while total annual imports exceed 1.3 million tonnes.
According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a request from the Mexican Embassy in Riyadh conveying the interest of the Mexican state of Nayarit in exporting premium rice to the Saudi market.
The embassy said that three rice varieties are available for export, including Super Extra Whole Grain Rice, long grain, with a monthly supply of 120 tonnes; Milagro Super Extra Rice, polished broad grain, with a capacity of 30 tonnes per month; and Morelos rice, a premium-grade variety.
Saudi Arabia has previously taken steps to encourage private-sector imports of Cambodian rice in a move aimed at diversifying supply sources alongside imports from India, Pakistan, the US, and Egypt.
Strong demand for favored rice varieties in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, combined with challenges such as rising shipping costs and climate-related disruptions, has occasionally led to price fluctuations. These factors have prompted the Kingdom to broaden its supplier base to ensure the availability of this commodity and maintain price stability.
The government recently decided to increase Pakistani rice imports to account for 20 percent of total needs, reinforcing supply stability and food security.
Forecasts suggest that per capita rice consumption in Saudi Arabia could rise to around 50 kg annually in the coming years, up from the current 45.77 kg, underscoring rice’s central role in the Kingdom’s food industry and traditional cuisine.
