São Paulo – The food sector business matchmaking that took place at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce offices in São Paulo, last week, generated business perspectives of US$ 6.5 million in orders, according to the evaluation of the Arab importers who negotiated with Brazilian suppliers. The executives estimate that the event opened opportunities for over US$ 44 million in contracts over the next 12 months.
The figures were disclosed by the Arab Brazilian Chamber and Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex), which organized the roundtables.
“We had very positive results in the areas of beef and chicken,” said Michel Alaby, CEO at the Arab Brazilian Chamber. “It was one of the most successful events we have had. The partnership with the Apex was fundamental for success of the project,” he said.
The executive explains that he heard positive evaluations both from the Arab companies and the Brazilian ones. “The Arabs said that it was a very important visit, one in which they could learn more about Brazilian companies,” he said. “The Brazilians also greatly enjoyed the roundtables,” he added. The main deals closed by the Arabs were with suppliers of chicken, beef and fruit.
To Alaby, Brazilian companies should invest more in the production of halal certified products. “The Arabs were seeking halal-certified chocolate, sweets and food products. That would be a great differential. Currently, they buy these products from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore,” he stated. Halal certification attests that the product was made within Islamic requirements, not containing substances that are banned from consumption by the Muslims, like pork.
The event included ten importers from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Jordan. On the Brazilian side, the matchmaking included the participation of over 60 companies. Apart from negotiations with exporters, the travel of Arabs to Brazil included visits to class associations and food sector companies.
*Translated by Mark Ament
