Demand for Spanish food exports to Qatar on the rise, says envoy

Leading food distributors in the country are importing more products from Spain, a trend the Spanish embassy in Doha is determined to maintain, according to Spanish ambassador Belen Alfaro.“Main food distributing chains in Qatar are very interested to import more products from Spain because of high quality but competitive prices,” Alfaro told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the launching of the culinary event ‘Extravaganza Culinary Festival’, which concludes today. “Their collaboration with Spanish manufacturers and their engagement with our excellent quality, but very competitive supply of food and beverage, make them a close partner for the Spanish providers,” the ambassador said. Alfaro pointed out that more companies in the Qatari market are eliminating the “middle man” by importing the products directly from Spanish food producers, which means high-quality and fresher products at competitive prices.She said the four-day ‘Extravaganza Culinary Festival’ is a reflection of the “continuous trend of Spanish food exports coming to Qatar.” She said: “The Extravaganza fair gives Qataris and other residents in the country the chance to sample Spanish cuisine.”As Spain’s new ambassador to Qatar, Alfaro said she is looking forward to further strengthening the ties between Qatar and Spain, including “co-operation relations in all fields – political, economic, cultural, and educational.” She added that the embassy is working to boost growth in tourism, including the increase of student exchanges between Qatar and Spain. “Bringing here wonderful dishes prepared by our chefs is the best way to encourage the demand of national products. The Spanish food promotion strategy is also completed from the supply side, participating in exhibitions under the Spanish pavilion, such as Hospitality Qatar. The Spanish technology on agriculture production is also contributing to the local manufacturing,” Alfaro said.Earlier, former Spanish ambassador to Qatar, Ignacio Escobar, had told Gulf Times that plans are underway for a greenhouse project in Qatar, which is expected to contribute to the country’s self-sufficiency and sustainable development goals.Escobar had said the technology would be supplied by Spanish joint venture AgriQatar, using state-of-the-art hydroponics to produce a variety of fruits and vegetables, assuring Qatar “100% self-sufficiency” in specific vegetables throughout the year.