São Paulo – Six Brazilian producers of sweets are going to participate, at the end of the week, in the Flavours from Brazil event, in Dubai, with the objective of disclosing their brands in the region and increasing sales on the Arab market. The event is organised by the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) and has the support of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
Brazil is currently the fourth main global producer of chocolate, sweets, confectionery and chewing gum on the American continent. The Brazilian sweets are shipped to 142 countries, being the Emirates, Yemen, Lebanon, Libya and Egypt the main destinations in the Arab market. In the Flavours from Brazil event, Arab importers are going to learn more about the Brazilian food sector and should have business meetings with 40 companies.
Last year, Brazilian sector exports to the Arab world totalled US$ 6.85 million, which represented growth of 19% over 2007. The main products shipped were bonbons, caramel sweets, chewing gum and chocolate. One of the companies betting on the potential of the Arab market is Florestal, which exports to 70 countries. "We greatly believe in this market, so much so that we are going to Dubai. It is a market that has already bought much and has been buying significant volumes," stated the export manager at the company, Maurício Weiand.
According to him, around 25% of Florestal production is turned to the foreign market, being the African countries the main destinations. The company, which usually participates in the main events in the sector abroad, is going to visit the Middle East for the first time. "We are seeking partnerships, establishment of the brand and also aiming to learn more about the market," said Weiand. Headquartered in Lajeado, in Rio Grande do Sul, the company produces between 160 and 170 tonnes of sweets a day.
Apart from Florestal, the Apex event also includes companies Dori, Embaré, Harald, Riclan and Docile. The latter is also going to participate in Gulfood, a food sector fair, to take place between the 23rd and 26th. The company is one of the 14 to exhibit at the Brazilian stand promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Arab Brazilian Chamber.
The Flavours from Brazil event should also include companies in the sector of meats, biscuits, coffee, dairies, fruit, organics and wine.
*Translated by Mark Ament
