Of the 50 Brazilian companies that are going to participate in Gulfood, a trade fair for the food industry that will be held in Dubai from 21 to 24 February, 14 are poultry producers. The stand of the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef) will house nine enterprises, and five other affiliated companies will have their own stands.

Brazil-Arab News Agency reports that in this edition, the organisation is going to present the English-Arabic version of the BR Chicken magazine, describing the 30 years-plus Brazilian experience in Halal slaughter procedures. Last year, 1.6 million tonnes of chicken exported from Brazil, or 45 per cent of total foreign sales, were destined to 60 countries that require Halal certification. The publication was produced in partnership with the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex).

Abef's executive chairman, Francisco Turra said: "The Islamic market is one of the most important ones for Brazilian poultry exports. Presently, the near entirety of the Abef's 33 affiliates have premises for processing Halal, and the rising sales volume to Muslim countries reflects the excellence of our slaughterhouses in this process."

In 2009, the Middle East was the leading market for Brazilian chicken. A total of 1.4 million tonnes were shipped, representing growth of 22.7 per cent compared with 2008. Exports generated US$ 1.9 billion in revenues.

The data for January this year show that exports continue to grow. Sales of the product to the Arabs increased by 45 per cent in comparison with the same month of 2009, having totalled US$201.4 million. Volume-wise, 106,730 tonnes were shipped, as against 97,860 in January 2009.

The Abef's 100-square-metre stand will feature companies Adoro, Big Frango, Copacol, Copagril, Diplomata, Globoaves, Super Frango, Unifrango and Zanchetta. The five other affiliates with their own stands are: Doux Frangosul, Marfrig, BRFoods, Sadia and Tyson.

Beef

Brazilian beef companies will also have a strong presence at the Gulfood, with 12 slaughterhouses, 10 of which will be at the stand of the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association (Abiec). The remaining two will have their own stands.

According to the Abiec's marketing manager, Monique Morata, the Middle East's share of Brazilian beef exports is increasing. In 2007, countries in the region accounted for 12 per cent of total exports from Brazil, whereas in 2009 the rate was 17 per cent, establishing the region as the second leading market in the export ranking, after Russia.

This will be the Abiec's fourth time at the fair. The organisation is going to serve the famous Brazilian barbecue, using Halal meat.