The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) will organise 'Flavours from Brasil' in Dubai from February 16 to 17 next year, in an effort to showcase Brazilian food brands in the Middle East.

IFP Emirates is collaborating with Apex-Brasil, which will select around 40 top companies with strong export experience to present their products to potential Arab consumers during a business roundtable that will serve as one of the highlights of the event.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iran have imported $29.8 billion worth of food and beverage products in 2007. Brazil, on the other hand, has been one of the biggest exporting partners of the Arab countries, said a statement.

It has been responsible for 16 per cent of that trade. Also in 2007, Brazil registered an 81 per cent share in the poultry market of the GCC countries plus Yemen, and had an average annual growth of 26 per cent between 2002 and 2007. In milk and dairy products, the average annual growth of Brazilian exports to these Arab countries was 107 per cent during the same period, while juice exports increased 114 per cent.

'Statistics show that Brazilian products have a high reputation among Arab markets. All exports from Brazil are certified by Cibal Halal, the Brazilian Islamic Centre for Halal Food Stuff Association, ensuring that all products have been processed according to Islamic standards,' stated Juarez Leal, project manager, Flavours from Brasil.

'The Flavours from Brazil in Dubai will surely be an important step towards further consolidating the reputation of Brazilian products among Arab consumers.'

'This initiative will also enable exporters to open new business opportunities and identify new export destinations in the Middle East. In addition, we consider Dubai to be an ideal venue for this event as the emirate is strategically located and is arguably the most prestigious destination in the region.'

'Brazilian products are achieving remarkable success in Arab markets. However, competition remains strong, thus the need to reinforce the Brazilian brand to ensure long-term market patronage,” said Bassel Amaneddine, general manager, IFP Emirates.

Flavours from Brazil will also serve as a launch pad for around 50 importers and distributors from Brazil to set up, for a year, Brazilian shelves in the main supermarkets in the Middle East. Under the system, businessmen who guarantee $1 million in purchases of Brazilian products may get up to $100,000 in promotion, including products and sampling counters, among other promotional activities.

Brazil has been recognised as one of the largest suppliers of food products in the world because of its abundance of water and fertile land, a favourable climate, the diversity of agricultural products, a high degree of technological development and elevated levels of agricultural productivity.

Brazilian exports of agricultural products increased from $20.6 billion to $58.4 billion per year between 2000 and 2007, a growth of 183.4 per cent, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Farming and Supply.-TradeArabia News Service