More than 30 per cent of Brazil’s poultry meat exports are transported to the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait among the top buyers, a report said.

Brazil shipped around 1.4 million tons of chicken in 2009, representing a 22.7 per cent growth from 2008 and revenues of $1.9 billion. Exports are expected to grow further in 2010, with January data revealing a 37 per cent sales increase to $141.8 million over the corresponding period in 2009.

Brazil is the world’s third largest exporter of poultry products, selling the meat to more than 150 countries.

Brazil’s major poultry exporters will outline their plans to expand further into the Middle East region and showcase their top products during Brasil Trade Middle East 2010, a multi-industry exposition taking place from May 9 to 11, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. They will particularly focus on the Gulf area, the largest importer of Halal-prepared products in the world, which purchases close to 1 million metric tonnes of Halal poultry meet each year.

“Many countries in the Middle East import their food needs; the Gulf in particular sources more than 90 per cent of foodstuffs from abroad. The Arab region is home to more than 345 million people and yet its farming and agricultural activities are very limited. It will thus continue to reach out to key food exporters such as Brazil, which is a very popular food partner among Middle Eastern countries as its products are certified by Cibal Halal, the Brazilian Islamic Centre for Halal Food Stuff Association,” said Alessandro Teixeira, president of Apex-Brasil, organiser of Brasil Trade Middle East 2010.

Over 30 exporters representing more than 100 leading Brazilian producers and manufacturers will meet with Middle Eastern businessmen, investors and leaders to discuss ventures in various industries such as construction, furniture, automotive parts, and food and beverages during this year’s edition of Brasil Trade Middle East.

Exporters and hosted buyers will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings and join special presentations. A hosted buyer's program will be held for major importers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

The event is organised by Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.-TradeArabia News Service