Brazil's share in Gulf food and beverage imports reached 12.48 per cent in 2007, a figure it is expected to easily surpass as 2008 comes to a close.

The country'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 in Dubai.

Apex-Brasil, the independent Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency 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.

The country 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,' stated Bassel Amaneddine, general manager, IFP Emirates.

'Brazil offers a sustainable and quality source of agricultural products to address Middle Eastern food security concerns heightened by a flailing global economy.'

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 Centre for Halal Food Stuff Association, will instruct all Brazilian companies on how to prepare their products according to Islamic standards. The agricultural collaboration with Brazil thus runs full circle, from quantity to quality assurance,' added Juarez Leal, project manager, Flavours from Brasil.

'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,' he concluded.-TradeArabia News Service