Italian cuisine remains hugely popular worldwide, adored for its traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and delicious taste. And even more so in the United Arab Emirates, where the demand for Italian produce continues to rise.
Recent trends show an increase in Italian food export, as businesses across the Arabic region seek authentic Italian products to ensure the highest quality for their customers.
Italian Food Trends in Arabic Countries
A global shift towards healthier eating has boosted the appeal of Italian food. In the UAE, too, people are opting for simple and nutritious meals, and more and more are turning towards plant-based diets. The focus on fresh ingredients in Italian cooking, not only vegetables but pasta, too, has helped enhance this trend. The region has also witnessed a change in how Italian cuisine is presented. At first, many restaurants opted for a fine dining format, which has now been replaced with a more traditional, home-cooked approach, stripping the cuisine back to its roots.
And this reversal has encouraged other traditions, too, as many Arabs, just like Italians, enjoy their food as a shared experience, with the family sitting around the table together, tasting, sharing, and discussing their meal.
Italian Food Products Famous Abroad
The biggest food exports from Italy to the UAE and its surrounding nations comprise a variety of traditional herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, and garlic, Italian cheeses, including Gorgonzola, ParmigianoReggiano and Pecorino, and of course, olive oil, which is famous around the world. Italian wine and coffee also remain popular in the area, and over the past two years, the export of confectionary has increased dramatically.
With the Italian food industry’s ‘Made in Italy’ stamp of quality, its commitment to sustainable agriculture and organic crops, and its focus on ‘free-from’ food products, ties between Italy and the UAE are expected to stay strong in the years ahead.
