São Paulo – Brazilian exports of cookies and related products to the Middle East rose 73% in value and 38% in volume in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2025, according to data from Abimapi, an association representing biscuit, pasta, bread and cake makers in Brazil, shared with ANBA. Through June, exports totaled USD 2.3 million and 815 metric tons.
In terms of value, the performance recorded in the first six months of 2026 is close to the total for 2025 and exceeds nearly all previous periods over the past decade. According to Abimapi International Director Rodrigo Iglesias, the increase in export value is due to higher product costs resulting from international freight and insurance. The region is experiencing a conflict that is affecting transportation and driving up costs, but this has not affected the sector’s outlook.
“Although the outlook is uncertain, we expect new shipments of Brazilian cookies to reach the region, potentially making 2026 the best year on record for the sector’s exports to the Middle East,” Iglesias said.
He attributed the performance to work carried out by the association and companies in the industry, the development of local partnerships, product adaptation and international certifications. He cited Bauducco and M. Dias Branco as two companies participating in the Amazing Foods Brazil industry project that are helping drive the industry’s exports to the Middle East. The project is a partnership between Abimapi and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) to promote Brazilian products abroad. Both companies take part every year in the Gulfood trade show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“Year after year, the event has given companies and their brands an opportunity to establish themselves across the Middle East, despite strong competition from global brands from Europe, as well as highly price-competitive competitors, particularly from Asia, such as companies from India,” Iglesias said, referring to Gulfood and the Middle Eastern market.
The Middle East region in Abimapi’s classification includes the Arab countries of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine and Syria, as well as the non-Arab countries of Iran and Israel. Nearly all exports to the Middle East consist of cookies, particularly waffles and wafers.
M. Dias Branco International Business Director César Reis said the company’s performance in the region is the result of “long-term” efforts carried out over the past 10 years.
“It is a highly attractive market, but one that requires a series of adaptations not only to products, but also to operational and commercial management, such as including Arabic on packaging, obtaining Halal certification, and developing formats and flavors tailored to local demand, among other initiatives,” Reis explained. Halal refers to products made in accordance with Islamic rules and permitted for consumption by Muslims.
“Thus, despite all the constraints related to logistics and intense competition, we have achieved double-digit growth in consecutive years, gradually earning the trust of customers and consumers in the region,” Reis said.
Brazil’s exports performance this year
On Tuesday (11), Abimapi released its consolidated results for the first half of this year. Overall, the sector’s export revenue reached USD 137.2 million, up 14% from the same period last year. Imports totaled USD 108.9 million, up 10%, while the sector’s trade surplus reached USD 21.1 million, a 34% increase from the first half of last year.
The association said exports continue to grow despite tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian products. Brazilian cookies are sold in 115 countries, with South America as the main destination, accounting for 58% of exports. North America is the second-largest market, with 21%, followed by Central America and the Caribbean (7.6%), Africa (7.5%) and the Middle East (3%).
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Translated by Guilherme Miranda
