Brazil exported fresh fruits worth $9.31 million to the Arab region in 2009, representing an 8.4 per cent increase over 2008 trade, a report said.

Brazilian producers will highlight popular exotic fruits this year during the Brasil Trade Middle East 2010 multi-industry trade show taking place from May 9 to 11 in Dubai.

Brazil, the third largest producer of fruit in the world, harvests around 43 million tons of the commodity yearly. Its main Arab importers include Lebanon, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Algeria. Grapes, melons, apples and mangoes accounted for most of Brazil’s fruit shipments to the Middle East in 2009.

Participants at Brasil Trade Middle East 2010 will discuss the growing demand for the South American country’s exotic fruits, which are produced under strict environmental and preservation standards. They will also address key issues such as the need for more direct export routes to the Arab markets.

“Fruits imported from Brazil are very popular in the Middle East due to their freshness and variety. Countries such as the UAE are placing greater emphasis on health and nutrition and so we can expect exotic Brazilian fruits such as the açaí berry, which has high levels of antioxidants, to gain strong consumer patronage. Throughout the Brasil Trade Middle East guests and potential buyers will have a clearer picture of just how diverse and healthy Brazilian fruits are,” said Alessandro Teixeira, president, Apex-Brasil.

Participating Brazilian fruit companies will particularly promote fruit juices, Amazonian fruits and fruit pulps, dehydrated fruit juice, and even chocolate candies with Amazonian fruit fillings during the event.

Over 30 exporters representing more than 100 leading Brazilian producers and manufacturers will showcase products and services in construction and construction materials, furniture and decoration, and auto parts during the three-day trade expo, which is being organized by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).-TradeArabia News Service