Brazilian companies at Gulfood 2013 seek to strengthen presence in key regional markets

Brazilian companies are keen to leverage the platform presented by Gulfood to strengthen their presence in key regional markets such as the UAE, which imported nearly $1.6bn worth of food and beverage products from Brazil last year.

Brazil's main food exports to the Gulf countries comprise chicken, beef, fruits, processed coffee, cookies, sweets, confectionaries, cane or beet sugar, and corn.

According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, during the period January to August 2012, Brazilian exports of meat of bovine animals (frozen) accounted for the biggest increase with an export value of over $554m, compared to the corresponding period in 2011.

The Brazilian pavilion at Gulfood was jointly set up by Apex-Brasil and six business associations, with the support of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

Mauricio Borges, President of Apex-Brasil, said, "Given the enormous significance of Gulfood it was imperative that Brazil has a strong representation at the event, especially since countries in the Arabian Gulf are a prime export destination for Brazilian food products, which are renowned for their quality. Moreover, with Brazilian food companies fully adhering to halal standards and other quality regulations being adopted in key regional markets, we believe that export volumes will continue to grow and serve as a driver for long-term trade and economic cooperation. Therefore, Apex-Brasil will continue to explore innovative ways to build stronger ties between Brazilian exporters and their counterparts in the Arab world."

The participation of the Brazilian companies in Gulfood closely follows the Brazilian Trade Mission to the Middle East, which was organised by Apex-Brasil and the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, during which several Brazilian companies from the food sector finalised major deals with buyers from KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iraq, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan.