The National Meat Institute of Uruguay focuses on the red meat market, particularly beef and lamb. This initiative is enacted with a trade mission to promote Uruguay’s high-quality halal beef and lamb in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. 
Uruguay is recognised for producing high-quality halal-certified beef and lamb. Its fertile soils and ideal climate create a favourable environment for raising livestock and crops. Because of this, meat can be produced naturally.
Uruguay is also a preferred meat source for health-conscious consumers.
The country’s adoption of pasture-based cattle feeding resulted in nutritional attributes. These include low levels of saturated fats, balanced Omega 6 and Omega 3, iron, and vitamin E in Uruguayan meat.
In addition, the country’s experience in meat production systems and farming practices has led to the development of quality-certified halal meat products.
“Thanks to our 400-year tradition in producing and exporting meat, we’ve developed a quality-certified halal meat,” said The National Meat Institute of Uruguay Chairman Conrado Ferber.
He emphasised that their meat is free-range, grass-fed, and free from antibiotics and hormones. It also operates on 100 per cent traceability, meeting the specific requirements of the halal market.
In 2023, Uruguay made significant strides in the GCC market, with US$13 million worth of halal-certified beef exports and US$5 million worth of lamb exports.
Seventy-five per cent of exports came from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This denotes a growing demand for halal products in the GCC region.
The red meat market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to reach US$860.64 million by 2029.
Considering the potential, the National Meat Institute of Uruguay plans to increase its quality-certified halal meat supply. They aim to promote it to consumers and restaurants in the GCC region.
