Brazil showcases its leading global position across the Food & Beverage sector

Brazil showcases its leading global position across the Food & Beverage sector with $728 million of deals at Gulfood
Apex-Brasil led a highly diversified multi-segment delegation to explore untapped opportunities
Brazilian beef exports resumed to Saudi with $120 Million forecasted for 2016
Brazil remains the largest exporter of Halal poultry to the Middle East with 1.6 million tons projected for 2016 in addition to shell egg where UAE receives 80% of Brazil’s global exports


Dubai: Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency organized Brazil’s largest participation in Gulfood with deals worth of USD 728 million during the 5 day-long exhibition. A total of 86 companies took part in the region’s prime Food & Beverage exhibition. The high level multi-sector delegation is pushing forward with non-conventional business contracts including honey, confectionery, dairy, juices, cereals among others.

Brazil’s 2016 strategy at Gulfood underpins untapped mega opportunities in a variety of sectors across the wider Middle East, North Africa and South East Asia. The agribusiness sector reflects 46% of Brazil’s exports and 25% of its GDP putting the Latin American country at the forefront of food supply, food technology and subsequently food security. The delegation is also pursuing progressive long term partnerships in line with the long cultural & business relations with the region. Brazilian companies are contemplating key projects in various territories and sectors most notably in the important dairy sector where Brazil enjoys a highly competitive edge in terms of cost, know-how and innovation untapped in the Middle East region.

Brazil’s exports are set to soar in the Middle East in line with Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to lift the ban on importing the renowned Brazilian Beef. This is in addition to other similar decisions from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar to lift the ban which will witness an increase of total Brazilian exports with a total around $150 million to those 4 countries including S120 Million to Saudi Arabia alone. This is in addition to the leading position of Brazilian poultry exports to the Middle East that includes 1.6 million tons. UAE alone imports 80% of Brazil’s total global exports of shell eggs.

Andre Favero, Business Director at Apex-Brasil said: “We are delighted to take Brazil’s participation at Gulfood to a new level with a highly diversified delegation committed to exploring all potential opportunities in the vibrant Food & Beverage market. Brazil is proud of being the largest exporter of Halal food products to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries in line with Brazil’s renowned Halal certification. We also seize our presence here to contribute further to enhancing the region’s food security as Brazil maintains an unshakable supply chain strategy to our local partners benefitting from an abundant air & sea network.”

This year’s participation witnessed a strong participation from new food segments including spices, confectionery, dairy, honey, juices, cheese bread and others where Brazil has a clear strong edge. The companies aim to disclose highly lucrative hidden opportunities where Brazilian products offer unmatchable quality, taste and variety all from the rich Brazilian soil.