Brazil celebrates 50 years since its first shipment of chicken meat
The destination of that first shipment was Kuwait, a Middle Eastern country that, to this day, is among the main destinations for Brazilian chicken. This pioneering shipment marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship of trust with Islamic markets, especially the Gulf countries, which over the years have established themselves as major trading partners for the Brazilian poultry industry.
Over the past five decades, Brazil has exported nearly 100 million tons of chicken meat to more than 150 nations worldwide. Last year alone, the total exported reached over 4.9 million tons, generating revenues approaching US$10 billion. Current top destinations include China, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union, reflecting international recognition for the quality, health safety, and compliance with international standards of Brazilian production.
A significant portion of these exports consists of halal products, aimed at Muslim consumers – more than 2 million tons are shipped annually. Brazil is currently the largest global exporter of halal chicken, exclusively serving markets with highly demanding religious, health, and traceability requirements. To ensure this standard, the sector maintains close collaboration with certification bodies, religious authorities, and partner governments, promoting dialogue and continuous adaptation of its production processes.
"Celebrating the 50th anniversary of this first shipment is recognizing the strength of a chain that has evolved based on science, integration between farm and industry, commitment to food safety, and, above all, the trust of international markets. It's a history built by thousands of producers, cooperatives, and companies that believed in Brazil's potential", emphasizes Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).
Throughout this trajectory, sectoral projects developed in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) were crucial in solidifying Brazil's image as a reliable food supplier. Through trade promotion initiatives, strategic image positioning, participation in international trade fairs, and relationships with global stakeholders, these projects contributed decisively to market diversification and sustained export growth.
"That August 1, 1975, wasn't just the beginning of a trade. It was the starting point of a journey that helped Brazil establish itself as a strategic food supplier to the world. Half a century later, we remain committed to excellence and global food security", concludes Santin.
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