Arabs up consumption of Brazilian duck meat

Brazilian exports of duck meat to the Arab countries have increased from US$1.59 mln (Jan – Aug 2008) to US$2.49 mln (Jan-Aug 2009), according to the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.

There was growth of 56% in revenues from sales to the region. In terms of volume, exports increased by a similar rate, of 55%, having gone from 573.5 t to 889.2 t, reports ANBA.

Company Villa Germânia, based in Santa Catarina, was responsible for the expansion of sales, reports state. Company Director Marcondes Aurélio Moser explains that what contributed the most to the increase was entering the Saudi market, to which Villa Germânia did not supply up until last year.

Aside from the Saudis, other Middle Eastern countries that purchased duck meat from Brazil from January to August were Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen, Jordan and Oman. The leading buyer was the Emirates.

Moser claims that Asians, most of whom work in the construction industry, account for most of the duck meat consumed in the region. The product is also served at international hotels and restaurants. A small share goes to the general population. “It is an optional protein source,” he explains, adding that only 10% of the duck meat exported to the Middle East is consumed by locals. According to him, approx. 60% goes to meals for Asians, and 30% goes to hotels and restaurants.

Villa Germânia slaughters roughly 8,000 birds per day, including ducks and chicken. Two thirds of the output is exported, according to Moser. In addition to the Arab market, duck meat is also exported to Japan, Hong Kong and to islands in the Pacific Ocean, such as New Caledonia.

Source: ANBA, Brazil-Arab News Agency