Brazil’s 12.48% share in Gulf food and beverage imports reflects rising dominance in global agricultural production
Brazil’s
growing influence as a major source of Middle Eastern food imports will
be highlighted during the ‘Flavours from Brasil’ trade event to be held
from February 21 to 23, 2009 at the Intercontinental Hotel – Festival
City, Dubai, UAE.
The
country’s share in Gulf food and beverage imports reached 12.48% 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’slightly 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. ‘Flavours 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
$1m worth of Brazilian product purchases.
“Cibal
Halal, the Brazilian Islamic Centre for Halal Food Stuff Association,
instruct 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. We
expect ‘Flavours from Brasil’ to further enhance patronage of Brazilian
food products in the Gulf and broader Middle East and as well as
improve interaction between the food and beverage sectors of both
regions,” concluded Juarez Leal, Project Manager, Flavours from Brasil.
