The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) and the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), organised the Halal do Brasil Day. The event, which comes under the Halal do Brasil project, an initiative by ABCC and ApexBrasil, was held during Anuga, a German food show that was organised recently in Cologne, Germany.

The initiative raised awareness of Halal products made in Brazil that are produced in accordance with Islamic traditions and targeted at Muslim consumers. These products are highly sought-after in Muslim countries as well as in countries in Europe with sizable Islamic populations, such as Germany, where six per cent of the population is Muslim. Ten companies participated in this initiative and showcased products manufactured for Muslim consumers.

Mohamad Mourad, Vice President of ABCC, said: “Consumers who embrace halal products and services are not exclusively restricted to the Muslim community, rather, they encompass individuals committed to making mindful, health-conscious, and environmentally sustainable choices while also prioritising the assurance of product authenticity and ethical sourcing.” Visitors to Anuga sampled Brazilian cuisine cooked by chefs Priscila Fiorini and Marina Stroh using halal items displayed at the event. The menu featured meatballs with cashew nut sauce, chicken with vegetables cooked in coconut milk, and açaí with sweetened nuts, all served with Brazilian coffee. Élber Giovane de Souza, a former football player and one of the biggest idols in German football, was also present during Halal do Brasil Day. Elber played for Bayern Munich, Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund in the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Brazil at Anuga and assisted in marketing its goods, particularly halal products.