The largest food sector fair in the Middle East, Gulfood, will once again include Brazilian companies, according to the Brazil-Arab news agency, ANBA. This edition, to take place from 27 February to 2 March in Dubai, will include over 30 companies. There will be seven sector associations taking companies in the beef, chicken, chocolate, biscuit, sweet, coffee, dairy, fruit, juice and pasta sectors.

Gulfood expects a total of 3,800 exhibitors from over 80 countries. The organisers expect to receive 55,000 visitors from over 100 countries. The Brazilian associations to participate in the fair have partnerships with the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).

The Brazilian Poultry Union (Ubabef), for example, plans to take five companies: Unifrango, Diplomata, Copacol, Globo Aves and Superfrango. The Arab countries are the main market for Brazilian poultry exports. Last year, foreign sales to the Arabs totalled US$2.23 billion, growth of 13 per cent over 2009. Shipments reached 1.365 million tonnes.

Brazil will also promote its beef through the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association (Abiec), which promotes a Brazilian barbecue at every edition of the fair.

At last year's Gulfood, Brazilian companies closed deals totalling 30 million Brazilian reals (US$18 million).