March 30, 2011
 

Saudi Arabia imports a significant amount of Brazilian poultry

Saudi Arabia ships in more than it produces so it requires foreign suppliers like Brazil for poultry.

"Saudi Arabia is not only a great market, but it is also our main client," said the director of the market nucleus at the Brazilian Poultry Union (Ubabef), Ricardo Santin.

"Consumption there is very high," he added.

Brazil exported 550,000 tonnes of chicken to the Saudis in 2010, whereas its second main market, Japan, imported 385,000 tonnes, according to figures disclosed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Brazilian chicken has the most success stories in the Saudi market. Brands like Sadia and Perdix have been market leaders for years so it is possible to find 'Made in Brazil' brands in any supermarket.

Brazil is much ahead of other exporters in the poultry sector. According to Santin, the country's market share is 90% of the Saudi imported chicken sector. He added, "In Saudi Arabia, we have a strong market which is consistent and free of problems."