Hungary opens new gateway to Kuwaiti market through food and beverage sector

Hungary is moving to strengthen its economic footprint in Kuwait by positioning its food and beverage industry as a new pillar of bilateral trade cooperation.

Hungarian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. András Szabó said the first-ever promotional event for Hungarian food and beverage products in Kuwait marks an important step toward expanding commercial partnerships between the two countries — particularly in the food industry, where demand for high-quality products continues to grow in the Kuwaiti market.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, which brought together specialized Hungarian companies and Kuwaiti business leaders in direct meetings, Ambassador Szabó said the initiative followed careful assessment of the Kuwaiti market’s strong potential.

He highlighted Kuwait’s status as a regional hub for fine dining and premium food consumption, noting Hungary’s ambition to become an active contributor to this dynamic landscape. The event was organized in cooperation with the Hungarian Agricultural Marketing Center, a government body responsible for promoting Hungarian agricultural and food products abroad.

Ambassador Szabó noted that the limited presence of Hungarian products in Kuwaiti markets was a key motivation behind launching the initiative — the first of its kind between the two countries in this sector.

A total of 12 Hungarian companies participated, leading to the signing of five memoranda of understanding between Kuwaiti and Hungarian firms. The agreements cover a diverse range of products, including mineral water, biscuits, baby food, chocolate drinks, sauces, as well as health foods and vitamin supplements targeted at families.

The ambassador expressed pride in the strong turnout and the engagement of local partners, voicing hope that the business-to-business (B2B) meetings will translate into tangible and sustainable trade agreements that boost the presence of Hungarian products in Kuwait.

Beyond Trade: Food Security and Technology Transfer

Szabó emphasized that Hungary’s role is not limited to exporting processed food products. The country is also keen to support local production in Kuwait through the transfer of food technologies and expertise.

He pointed to potential cooperation in dairy processing, the establishment of vertical farms for vegetable production using Hungarian seeds, and collaboration in the livestock sector, including livestock imports and the future export of day-old chicks.

Hungarian food technology, he said, could play a supportive role in strengthening Kuwait’s food self-sufficiency over the medium and long term.

Direct Flights a ‘Vital Bridge’

In a related context, Szabó stressed the importance of launching direct flights between Kuwait and Hungary, describing them as a “vital bridge” linking trade, investment, tourism, and education.

He expressed hope that this goal can be achieved in the coming years, further deepening ties between the two nations.