Brazilian Halal Initiative Hosts Key Networking Event in Riyadh

The Halal Project, an initiative by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), is making significant strides in promoting halal goods from Brazil to the global market. On Thursday, the project hosted a networking breakfast at the Brazilian Embassy in Riyadh, bringing together Brazilian exporters and Saudi importers. The event aimed to strengthen Brazil’s position in the halal market and foster new business relationships.

The event saw participation from prominent Saudi business associations, including Saudi Exports, and various foreign trade companies and restaurant chains. Rafael Solimeo, head of the ABCC office in Dubai, noted the enthusiasm of the Saudi attendees. “The Saudis were very pleased and even amazed with the vendors they found,” said Solimeo. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the sale of rice and fish to supplying inputs for Saudi food industries.

The presence of Brazilian companies at the Saudi Food Show held concurrently in Riyadh, further highlighted the importance of the Saudi market for Brazil’s halal exports. Many of these companies are already part of the Halal do Brasil project, which aims to increase the presence of Brazilian halal products in international markets.

The ABCC’s internationalization projects manager, Fernanda Dantas, emphasized the strategic importance of Riyadh for the Halal Project. “Riyadh is a very relevant market for halal goods and key for the project itself,” Dantas explained. The high-income market of Saudi Arabia, coupled with the strong appreciation for halal products, makes it a prime target for Brazilian exporters.

During the event, Brazil’s agricultural attaché to Saudi Arabia, Adriano Perrelli Pestana de Castro, received an official commendation of the Order of Rio Branco from the Brazilian government. This honor, bestowed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizes significant contributions to the country, underscoring the importance of Brazil’s diplomatic and trade efforts in Saudi Arabia.

The Halal Project aims to leverage Brazil’s robust agricultural sector to meet the growing global demand for halal products. Brazil is already a major player in the global halal market, with its beef and poultry products being particularly popular in Muslim-majority countries. The Halal Project seeks to expand this reach further, promoting a diverse range of Brazilian halal goods, including processed foods and agricultural inputs.

The networking breakfast and participation in the Saudi Food Show are part of a broader strategy to enhance Brazil’s trade relations with Saudi Arabia and other key markets. By fostering direct connections between Brazilian exporters and Saudi importers, the Halal Project is opening up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

As the Halal Project continues to build momentum, future initiatives will focus on deepening market penetration and expanding the range of halal products offered. The project will also emphasize quality assurance and certification processes to meet the stringent standards of halal consumers.

In addition to trade shows and networking events, the Halal Project plans to launch targeted marketing campaigns and partnerships with local distributors in key markets. These efforts aim to raise awareness of Brazilian halal products and highlight their quality and affordability.

The Halal Project’s recent networking event in Riyadh marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s efforts to promote its halal goods internationally. With strong support from both the ABCC and ApexBrasil, the project is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for halal products in high-income markets like Saudi Arabia. As Brazilian companies continue to forge new partnerships and expand their reach, the future looks promising for Brazil’s halal export sector.