The U.S. Grains Council escorted the senior purchasing manager of the world’s largest dairy operation on a week-long travel throughout the United States, introducing him to Council members and exporters of U.S. corn. Daniel Button of Almarai, based in Saudi Arabia, came to the United States to meet suppliers and purchase U.S. corn. Button was accompanied by Alvaro Cordero, USGC manager of international operations.

“We traveled to the Grace Harbor in Washington where Button tendered two shuttle trains of U.S. No. 1 corn and three shuttle trains of U.S. No. 2 corn. He explained that while Saudi Arabian customers don’t have a strong preference for any specific origin, they appreciate the United States’ ability to provide a stable supply of corn. He said U.S. corn is more consistant, better for flaking and less expensive in the process,� said Cordero.

Saudi Arabia imports approximately 1.5 to 2 million metric tons (59-70 million bushels) per year, 39 percent of which is imported from the United States. Almarai, headquartered in Riyagh, is the largest integrated dairy foods company in the Middle East. Recently, the company bought a large poultry integrator and is planning to expand production up to 3 million birds per week. The company was established in Saudi Arabia in 1976 as a partnership. Company representatives soon recognized the potential to transform traditional methods of dairy farming to better serve the needs of the Saudi Arabian market.

“Saudi Arabian families have an average of 6 to 10 children and more than 40 percent of its populatuon is under 15 years of age,� said Cordero. “We are hopeful to continue suppling Saudi Arabia with their corn import needs and are working for increased market share in this rapidly expanding market.�