ABRA Strengthens Partnerships in South Africa and Turkey Through Trade Mission

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), through the support of its Agricultural Attachés in South Africa and Turkey, has reinforced Brazil’s international engagement in the animal recycling sector. Between November 4th and 7th, the Brazilian Animal Recycling Association (ABRA) carried out an international prospecting mission in both countries, promoting sectoral integration, sustainability, and trade opportunities.

In South Africa, the Business Connection South Africa event was held on November 4th, gathering Brazilian companies and potential South African partners to explore cooperation in the animal recycling industry. Discussions covered sanitary requirements, traceability, and sustainability throughout the supply chain. South Africa was highlighted as a priority market, driven by rising demand for animal-derived inputs used in the food industry.

With a population exceeding 64 million, South Africa imported approximately US$635 million in Brazilian agricultural products in 2024, primarily focused on meat, forestry products, and the sugar and ethanol complex.

The mission continued in Turkey, beginning on November 6th in Ankara with a meeting at the national animal feed producers’ association, which represents nearly 80% of Turkish manufacturers. On November 7th, the Business Connection Türkiye event in Istanbul brought together 18 Turkish companies and Brazilian suppliers to discuss potential partnerships. Brazilian participants presented portfolios including flours, fats, and other ingredients used in animal nutrition, enhancing commercial ties and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Turkey, currently the 9th largest importer of Brazilian agricultural products, is projected to import over US$3 billion worth of goods from Brazil in 2024. Owing to its strategic location between Europe and Asia and the dynamism of its animal feed sector, the country is seen as a key market for expansion and diversification.

This mission underscores the role of animal recycling as a catalyst for resource efficiency, technological advancement, and compliance with international standards, while also strengthening Brazil’s commercial and institutional relations with strategic partners across Africa and Eurasia.

The initiative is part of the Brazilian Renderers Project, developed by ABRA in partnership with ApexBrasil and supported by MAPA’s diplomatic network and agricultural attachés. The project aims to promote Brazilian flours, fats, blood products, and hydrolyzed proteins in the global marketplace, boosting the sector’s competitiveness and broadening the international reach of Brazil’s animal recycling industry.