AFL hero Buddy Franklin’s sweet new career takes him to United Arab Emirates

Buddy Franklin has been showcasing the sweet life to Middle Eastern honey eaters as exports of Western Australia’s golden nectar explode under a new trade deal.

The football legend and wife Jesinta Franklin became interested in honey after taking a beekeeping course on the Gold Coast.

They’re now co-owners of Honey For Life, one of WA’s leading commercial beekeeping operations.

Their products were among 8500 exhibits at the world’s largest food trade show, Gulfood, held in the United Arab Emirates this week.

Australian honey exports have surged 1200 per cent since last October, when a trade agreement with the UAE came into force.

“Showcasing our family-owned business Honey For Life at the Team Australia pavilion and entering the UAE market through (trade deal) CEPA marks a major milestone for our global growth,” Franklin said.

“We’re proud to represent Australia at Gulfoods, showcasing premium, certified bioactive honey to a fast-growing Middle Eastern market that values quality.

“For my family and I, health and wellbeing come first – which is why Honey For Life is committed to producing pure, bioactive honey with proven benefits for households worldwide.”

Honey has been part of Arab culture and Islamic tradition for centuries, due to its healing properties and as a symbol of gratitude and respect.

Australian honey is highly regarded worldwide for its quality due to its biodiversity and purity.

The sweet substance isn’t the only WA export that has UAE consumers buzzing.

In the first two months since the trade deal came into force, agribusiness and food exports from WA grew by $123 million – a rise of more than 220 per cent compared with the previous year.

Canola exports were worth $104m, barley $15.2m and sheep meat $2.8m.

Trade Minister Don Farrell, who led the delegation of 44 businesses to Gulfood, said the increase in trade meant more income for Australia’s world-class producers.

“With our new trade deal eliminating tariffs on 99 per cent of exports to the UAE, it’s easier than ever for Australian businesses like Honey For Life to access this thriving market,” he said.

“Gulfood is an incredible opportunity for our producers and exporters to showcase their premium products to buyers across the region.

“Last year $21 billion worth of deals were done on the floor of Gulfood – and we’re expecting an even better result this year.”