The fifth largest international exporter, Brazil registered an increase in the sales of these products to foreign countries of 4.8 per cent per annum for the period 2005 to 2010.

According to the GTIS (Global Trade International System), the other four producers ranked above it showed weaker growth for the same period: the US – 12 per cent, the Netherlands – 7.7 per cent, France – 5.6 per cent and Germany – 8.2 per cent.

In addition to this rate of growth, Brazilian processed food and drink exports, which reach 197 countries and accounted for US$38 billion in 2010, possesses great diversity and is also growing in quality.

Coordinated by Apex-Brasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), the Brazilian delegation to ANUGA – the world food trade fair being held between 8 and 12 October in Cologne, Germany – comprises 70 companies representing 12 sectors: beef, pork, chicken, coffee and teas, biscuits, sweets, beverages, juices, fruit, regional foods (typical Brazilian cuisine), seasonings and condiments, and food preparations.

These are sectors in which Brazil stands out and is high up in the world production and exporting rankings, not to mention offers high quality and sophisticated products that reflect an increasing concern in the industry with environmental sustainability and the health and well being of consumers.

Apex-Brasil is reinforcing its efforts made in conjunction with these sectors to promote the country’s exports by sponsoring the Brazilian presence at ANUGA. The Agency sustains export promotion projects for 80 economic sectors, benefitting 13,000 national companies.

Chicken: sustainability standards ensure Brazil’s leadership

The largest exporter of chicken in the world, Brazil is also its third largest producer, with a total of 12 million tons.

In 2010, more than 3.8 million tons were exported to 150 countries, representing a 42 per cent share of the global market. Chicken is currently the fifth ranked product of Brazil’s exports, beaten only by iron ore, petroleum, soy and sugar.

Export volumes increased in the first half of 2011. From January to July, chicken exports reached 2.239 million tons, a growth of 3.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. Revenues have increased even more, with the first six months of the year accounting for US$4.669 billion, compared to US$3.756 billion for the same period in 2010.

As regards the kinds of products exported, chicken cuts – the main kind – accounted for 1.182 million tons for the first half of the year, whilst sales of industrialised chicken exports amounted to 106,500 tons.

The gap between Brazil and the US, the second largest exporter of chicken in the world, is significant.

This has been achieved thanks to the quality, cleanliness and sustainability of Brazil’s chicken production combined with its competitive pricing.

The country’s chicken production boasts one of the best sanitation records in the business, and is the only main producer/exporter to have no recorded cases of bird flu.

Brazil’s main players in the poultry industry will be present at the 2011 edition of ANUGA, including Copacol, Aurora Alimentos and Frinal, to showcase stand out products. Copacol will be launching products aimed at end consumers as well as supermarket chains.

One new entry will be the IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) line of products. Individually frozen, they allow consumers to defrost small portions instead of a whole pack.

Meanwhile, Aurora Alimentos will be presenting its line of hamburgers especially developed for export.