Meatco recently sent its second consignment of meat to Dubai to test the corporation’s product in the eastern emirate. Whilst searching for new export markets, Meatco exported its first pallet of meat to Dubai at the end of last year. This followed incomplete negotiations surrounding an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Namibian Government and the European Union. The situation almost led to the market access to the EU being economically unviable which would have held disastrous implications for local export companies including the Meat Corporation of Namibia.

Meatco is looking at Dubai to spread its export markets.

One carton of rib eye, one carton of fillet, one carton of strip loin and one carton of rump were distributed in Dubai via an agent in December 2007. The feedback Meatco received on its product was very positive and the corporation was recently requested to send six more cartons of each of these meats to further test the market.
The price Meatco currently fetches for its product in Dubai is better than in South Africa, but it is not comparative with EU-rates.
One requirement in Dubai is that meat be sold within 90 days of slaughter in contrast with the six months shelve life guaranteed by Meatco for its meat. Halaal is also strictly enforced in the United Arab Emirates of which Dubai forms a part.
Another market that has picked up considerably since the end of last year is Switzerland. It is not a new market for Meatco’s product, but it has improved from an on-and-off relationship with Meatco increasing its supply from a one-airfreight container of meat per month to three containers per week since February.