Brazil food and beverage exports to Gulf growing

By Saudi Gazette Staff

JEDDAH – Brazil’s growing influence as a major source of Middle Eastern
food imports will be highlighted during the “Flavors from Brasil” trade
event to be held on Feb. 21-23, 2009 at the Intercontinental Hotel –
Festival City, Dubai, UAE.
The country’s share in Gulf food and
beverage imports reached 12.48 percent in 2007, a figure it is expected
to easily surpass as 2008 comes to a close.
Apex-Brasil, the
independent Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency constantly
showcasing Brazil products in more than 60 countries annually, will
coordinate with marketing and events agency IFP Emirates in choosing
around 40 top exporting companies to showcase their products to Arab
consumers during a business roundtable to be held during the event.
Brazilian
scientists are known for developing soil and seeds technologies through
heavy applications of lime and phosphate-rich fertilizers and thus
transforming Brazil’s lightly wooded plains into highly fertile land.
Brazil has the potential to triple its agricultural production without
compromising rain forests.
“Brazil has become one of the largest
exporters of food in the world, a development which motivates Arab
interests to immediately secure solid partnerships with this South
American country. Brazil offers a sustainable and quality source of
agricultural products to address Middle Eastern food security concerns
heightened by a flailing global economy. Flavors from Brasil provides
an excellent introduction to Brazilian food as well as a superior
networking platform with key players within the country’s steady
agricultural sector,” said Bassel Amaneddine, general manager, IFP
Emirates.
Renowned Brazilian chef Morena Leite will prepare
various local dishes for guests to sample, while a book outlining
Arabic influences on Brazilian cuisine will be distributed during the
trade event. A general introduction to Brazil and its food exports will
also be presented. The event will unveil a one-year program which will
place products from around 50 Brazilian importers and exporters in
major Middle Eastern supermarkets. The scheme promises up to $100,000
in promotion, including products and sampling counters, for businessmen
who commit $1 million worth of Brazilian product purchases.
“Cibal
Halal, the Brazilian Islamic Center for Halal Food Stuff Association,
instructs all Brazilian companies how to prepare their products
according to Islamic standards. The agricultural collaboration with
Brazil thus runs full circle, from quantity to quality assurance,” he
said.