Argentina revives halal lamb production for Middle Eastern market

Argentina, renowned for its high-quality meat, is making significant strides in restoring its export potential, particularly in the halal segment. The province of Entre Rios has completed production of its first 1,180 sheep and lambs, prepared according to strict halal standards for the Middle Eastern market. This project marks a significant milestone in the development of the region’s agricultural sector, which for decades had played a minor role in the international meat trade.

The halal lamb production process began with grazing animals on the pastures of Concordia and Gualeguay, where local farmers ensured the required quality of feed and animal care. All operations were carried out in Argentina Alimentos’ refrigeration facilities, which adhered to international sanitary and technical standards necessary to meet the demands of Middle Eastern consumers.

The logistics plan, developed by operator Tomás Piran, was meticulously designed. The first container of halal lamb will depart from the Port of Buenos Aires for the Sultanate of Oman on January 6, 2026. This event symbolizes not only Argentina’s return to the Middle Eastern market but also the beginning of a new stage in the development of the province’s export infrastructure.

A key aspect of this project is compliance with all halal standards, which requires strict traceability from the origin of the animals to the final packaging of the product. This includes certification at every stage of production to ensure compliance with the requirements of Muslim consumers.

The Gualeguay cold storage facility, previously used for vaccine production, is now focusing on developing halal production. This decision is the result of a year-long analysis of sanitary standards and the province’s sheep herd, which currently exceeds 600,000 head. This capacity allows the facility not only to meet domestic needs but also to actively participate in international trade.

José Mulia, a representative of the provincial government in Buenos Aires, emphasized that Entre Ríos has all the necessary resources and technical capabilities to maintain and expand this trade flow. The intention is for this first shipment of halal lamb to serve as the basis for integrating more local producers into the export chain. This will capitalize on the strong demand for sheep meat on the international market and enable regional farmers to develop and increase production.

Therefore, Argentina’s return to the halal market opens new horizons for both local producers and the country’s economy as a whole. This not only strengthens the province’s position internationally but also contributes to the creation of new jobs and an improvement in the standard of living.

Tags: Argentina