Ramadan, the sacred month for Muslims, began last week and marks a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During this time, the meals accompanying fasting, the “iftar” (held at sunset), and the “suhoor” (before dawn) feature traditional dishes such as dates, soups, meats, grains, and sweets. These recipes require products that meet halal standards, and Brazilian farmers have been adding to meet this demand, providing from certified meats to grains and sugars.
Brazil’s Strength in the Global Halal Market
Brazil is widely recognized as one of the largest global suppliers of halal products. In 2023, the country exported around 1.5 million tons of beef, with approximately 30% of that production certified as halal, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA). Additionally, chicken, which plays a central role in dishes like samosas and biryani, is another major export, with Brazil sending over 4.6 million tons in 2023 to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Egypt, as reported by the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).
Chickpeas, Lentils, and Other Ingredients for Ramadan
Besides meats, Brazil has been increasing its role in producing chickpeas and lentils, two key ingredients for dishes like hummus and harira soup. The country has seen an 8% annual growth in chickpea production, with a significant portion of this going to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, according to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). Although Brazil is not yet one of the largest global producers, it has been steadily increasing its market share. Similarly, another essential ingredient for Ramadan soups, lentils, has seen its production on the rise, with Brazil focusing on expanding exports to countries in Asia and the Middle East.
Sugars: Brazil’s Contribution to Ramadan Sweets
Sweets such as baklava have great cultural significance during Ramadan. As the world’s largest sugar producer, Brazil’s role is crucial to meet this demand. The country exported 7.6 million tons of sugar in 2023, with a significant portion going to the Middle East, where there is a high demand for sweets during the sacred month, according to the Sugar Cane Industry Union (UNICA). Additionally, Brazilian honey can be used to sweeten dishes and drinks consumed during Ramadan, with markets like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) purchasing much of this production, as reported by the Brazilian Honey Producers Association (ABEMEL).
Halal Certification: Meeting International Standards
Halal certification has been very important for Brazil’s participation in the global halal market. In 2023, around 30% of Brazil’s beef exports were certified halal, thus meeting the requirements of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Egypt. In addition to meat, Brazil focuses on certifying other products, such as grains and processed foods, to ensure they meet the standards required by Muslim communities, further expanding its presence in international markets.