In 2009 alone, the state of Paraná exported almost 900,000 tonnes to the region, generating revenues of over US$1 billion. The Middle East is the main foreign destination for Paraná state chicken.

The Middle East is the main consumer market for chicken produced in the state of Paraná, according to the Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA). In 2009 alone, up to November, the state shipped 874,200 tonnes to the region, generating revenues of US$1.34 billion.

According to Domingos Martins, the chairman of the Union and Association of Poultry Slaughterhouses and Farmers of the State of Paraná (Sindiavipar), of the 21 associated poultry producers that sell abroad, all export to the Middle East.

"It is a very interesting market to us. We have partnerships with Iraq, Iran and the Emirates. The Middle East was also an important partner for large companies, like Sadia, now BR Foods, and Aurora, for example."

Specific cuts and special types of chicken are the differential for exports to the Arab countries. Mr Martins explained that the broiler type of chicken, for example, weighing between 900 grams and 1.3 kilogram is consumed exclusively in the Middle East, where it is sold whole, without giblets. Fillets and boneless parts are also part of the Arab preference.

The president at Sindiavipar believes that the growth of exports to the Middle East should reach 10 per cent in 2010, the same percentage as growth there should be in 2009. "We hope for great growth," he said.

Mr Martins is also the owner of a poultry farm in the city of Arapongas, in Londrina region. Its chicken brand, Frango a Gosto, exports practically its entire production of fillets to the Middle East, especially Iraq and Iran. Production reaches between 160 and 200 tonnes a month, with revenues of US$400,000 per month, which represents between six and seven per cent of company revenues.

"Our industries are modern, we have quality, quantity and price. We may supply within their specifications," said Mr Martins regarding Paraná state poultry exports.

Frango Canção, from Maringá, exports 30 per cent of its production of 10,000 tonnes a month, with half of the foreign sales going to the Middle East. According to Edemir Trevizoli Júnior, export manager at the poultry producer, this represents between 15 and 20 per cent of monthly revenues for the company.

The United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, as well as Egypt, in Africa, are the main Canção buyers in the Arab nations.

The poultry producer has 10 employees working in halal slaughter, all from the Federation of Muslim Associations of Brazil (Fambras). Each month, shipments total 1,500 tonnes of poultry slaughtered according to Islamic regulations, according to ANBA.

"Today, the Middle East is the main destination for our exports and we are identifying great potential to increase our participation,” said Mr Trevizoli.