The International Halal Academy (IHA) held a special program during Anuga Select Brazil 2026, Latin America’s leading food and beverage trade show, which took place from April 7 to 9 at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo. As part of the event’s official program, the institution hosted the 1st Anuga Select Brazil Halal Forum, themed “Growing consumer awareness, multiculturalism and globalization,” bringing together experts, officials and market representatives to discuss trends, opportunities and challenges facing the Halal sector in the global landscape.

The Forum program opened with a formal ceremony attended by the following officials: Ali Zoghbi, President of the International Halal Academy; Beni Piatetzky, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Brasil; Jonas Colvara, Rector of Universidade Estácio; and Silvia Massruhá, President of Embrapa.

During the event, a memorandum of understanding signed at the opening ceremony by IHA and Anuga organizer Koelnmesse Brasil provides for a new edition of the Forum to be held in 2027.

The keynote address, titled “The role of Brazil’s food and beverage industry in ensuring food security in Brazil and around the world through efficient production, environmental responsibility, and social justice,” was delivered by keynote speaker Cléber Sabonaro, Competitive Intelligence and Foreign Trade specialist at the Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA). The following panels were also held:

PANEL 1:

“The Global Halal Market – Trends and Opportunities,” featuring Ali Zoghbi, President of the International Halal Academy; William Adib, President of CCAB; and Cristina Thomaz, panel moderator.

PANEL 2:

“Halal Food and Beverages: Key Economic Data, Trends and Challenges,” with Fernanda Baltazar, Director of International Relations at CCAB; Arthur Martinho, Vice President of IBREI; and Delduque Martins, Executive Director and Secretary General of the International Halal Academy.

PANEL 3:

“Quality infrastructure in food and beverages,” featuring Marcos Guerson, Superintendent of IPEM-SP, and Bárbara Cristina, Quality Analyst at Fambras Halal.

The Forum program included the following short courses:

COURSE 1:

“Halal Food: What It Is and How Certification Works,” with Bárbara Cristina, Quality Analyst at FAMBRAS Halal;

COURSE 2:

“Halal, Healthy Eating and Holistic Well-Being,” with Shirlei Tessarini, coordinator of the Nutrition program at Universidade Estácio;

COURSE 3:

“Globalization of information and communication in the conscious consumption of Halal products,” with Alessandra Frisso, Executive Director of H2R Insights & Trends;

COURSE 4:

“Ethics and quality in the context of Halal food and beverages,” presented by Omar Chahine, Commercial Intelligence Director at FAMBRAS Halal Certificadora.

Back!