Colombia, considered as one of the seven pantries in the world, is seeking to explore opportunities in exporting bovine meat to the UAE. The country hopes to promote the benefits of its premium meat products during the agriculture month that will take place in the pavilion and food, agriculture, and livelihood week at Expo 2020 Dubai during February.
Through its participation in the most inclusive world Expo, the nation aims to increase its meat exports to the MENA region and promote Colombia’s strong investment portfolio. The remaining months of the global exhibition are packed with meetings between Colombia and leaders of influential companies in the UAE to discuss strategies to ensure food security in the Middle East and how Colombia can leverage its livestock sector to meet the target.
The nation’s privileged location and topography ensures that cattle herd are grass-fed all year around without the use of growth hormones and boosters, promoting natural growth and ensuring the highest quality of meat produced. This practice adheres to the standards for Halal, making Colombia’s produce a suitable choice for the Middle East region. As a result, there is a growing demand in the Middle East for Colombian meat products that meet halal standards.
Products from natural and healthy or chemical-free meat production practices are labeled with the Colombian Beef Grass-Fed CO seal. This distinctive mark means guaranteed safe, healthy, and high-quality meat produced and manufactured naturally and sustainably. In 2021, a Colombian company first obtained this certification for beef exports, further boosting the entry of Colombian premium meat into international markets.
As a country that has already entered the UAE market through the export of its fruits, vegetables and meat, Colombia is well-positioned to further expand its presence in the Middle East and significantly contribute to meeting the demand for meat products.
This exponential growth of meat exports from Colombia is attributed to the quality of the nation’s livestock products. Colombia’s broad livestock sector, the fourth largest cattle herd in Latin America, is known for excellent cattle breeds including Zebu and the Colombian Brahman. Cattle farms are concentrated in the departments of Antioquia, Caquetá, Meta, Casanare, and Córdoba, and are known for sustainable and healthy meat production practices.
Another factor that boosts Colombia’s meat export position is the nation’s location and logistics infrastructure. Strategically located at the border of Central and South America, Colombia has access to major ports and its robust logistics infrastructure are equipped with cold chain facilities suitable for meat products.
Colombia has been diversifying its export product portfolio leveraging its rich sectors including agribusiness, livestock, fintech, and information and communications technology (ICT), among others. Expo 2020 is an added booster to this growing Colombia export strategy and helps to further stimulate the economic growth of various industries and sectors in Colombia.
