Halal poultry trade expanding at great speed – In 2009 alone, the state
of Paraná exported almost 900,000 tonnes to the region, generating
revenues of over US$1 billion. The Middle East is the main foreign
destination for Paraná state chicken.
The Middle East is the main
consumer market for chicken produced in the state of Paraná, according
to the Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA). In 2009 alone, up to November,
the state shipped 874,200 tonnes to the region, generating revenues of
US$1.34 billion.
According to Domingos Martins, the chairman of
the Union and Association of Poultry Slaughterhouses and Farmers of the
State of Paraná (Sindiavipar), of the 21 associated poultry producers
that sell abroad, all export to the Middle East.
“It is a very
interesting market to us. We have partnerships with Iraq, Iran and the
Emirates. The Middle East was also an important partner for large
companies, like Sadia, now BR Foods, and Aurora, for example.”
Specific
cuts and special types of chicken are the differential for exports to
the Arab countries. Mr Martins explained that the broiler type of
chicken, for example, weighing between 900 grams and 1.3 kilogram is
consumed exclusively in the Middle East, where it is sold whole,
without giblets. Fillets and boneless parts are also part of the Arab
preference.
The president at Sindiavipar believes that the growth
of exports to the Middle East should reach 10 per cent in 2010, the
same percentage as growth there should be in 2009. “We hope for great
growth,” he said.
Mr Martins is also the owner of a poultry farm
in the city of Arapongas, in Londrina region. Its chicken brand, Frango
a Gosto, exports practically its entire production of fillets to the
Middle East, especially Iraq and Iran. Production reaches between 160
and 200 tonnes a month, with revenues of US$400,000 per month, which
represents between six and seven per cent of company revenues.
“Our
industries are modern, we have quality, quantity and price. We may
supply within their specifications,” said Mr Martins regarding Paraná
state poultry exports.
Frango Canção, from Maringá, exports 30 per
cent of its production of 10,000 tonnes a month, with half of the
foreign sales going to the Middle East. According to Edemir Trevizoli
Júnior, export manager at the poultry producer, this represents between
15 and 20 per cent of monthly revenues for the company.
The United
Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, as well as Egypt, in Africa,
are the main Canção buyers in the Arab nations.
The poultry
producer has 10 employees working in halal slaughter, all from the
Federation of Muslim Associations of Brazil (Fambras). Each month,
shipments total 1,500 tonnes of poultry slaughtered according to
Islamic regulations, according to ANBA.
“Today, the Middle East is
the main destination for our exports and we are identifying great
potential to increase our participation,” said Mr Trevizoli.
