Nature’s liquid gold

zoom

Olive oil consumption is growing as the region's restaurants respond to the increased demands of health-conscious consumers.

The health benefits of olive oil are making a big impact in the Middle East with health-conscious consumers driving-up the demand for olive oil products according to chefs.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Dubai, Grosvenor House, Park Hyatt Dubai and Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites all report a steady increase in olive oil consumption in the last year.

"We use 150-200 litres of olive oil a month and this figure is definitely growing.

"More frequent events are also contributing to our increased usage," comments IHG executive chef Geoff Haviland.

Suppliers agree that the demand for olive oil products has attracted a range of new suppliers to the region with bigger volumes and inventories at their disposal.

"Our yearly export average is about 250,000l with an approximate growth of 20% to the Middle East in the last year," says La Boella general manager José Cuesta.

"Olive oil export to the region has been gaining pace for the last three to four years, with an exceptional increase in 2007-2008," adds Moreno export department manager Jesús Jiménez.

Many suppliers to the region attribute this growth to a more educated consumer base, which is starting to appreciate the health benefits of olive oil products.

"People in the Middle East are starting to understand the difference in health and quality between olive oil and other oil products, which is steadily changing their consumption habits," says Jiménez.

Scientific research suggests that the higher proportion of mono-unsaturated fats in olive oil is linked with a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease.

As a result, consumers of olive oil products "live longer and healthier lives", according to chef director of Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa and Grosvenor House Partick Lannes.

"Certain oils are known to have some health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and cholesterol levels.

"Some oils also act as antioxidants and protect the body from free radicals and the ageing of cell membranes," says Al Murooj Rotana executive chef Joachim Textor.

In recent years, educated consumers and the thriving economy has led to an increase in exports to the region according to Jiménez.

"We export more pure olive oil than extra virgin oil to the UAE than in Europe, because consumers have more knowledge of its healthy characteristics and economic growth is greater."

This has led to a more diverse range of products now available in the market according to Shangri-La executive chef Lars Munier.

"Olive oil is a popular constituent and is now available in a variety of brands from different origins including Lebanon, Italy, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Morocco."

Locally-produced olive oil is widely used in the Middle East, with a range of quality products available on the market says Park Hyatt Dubai's executive chef Steffen Gubbe.

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

READERS' COMMENTS

View all comments (0)

Have your say

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM