São Paulo – Maricota brand products, made by Clap Foods, are about to enter supermarket shelves in Saudi Arabia. The company signed contracts to supply 300 tonnes of frozen products to Othaim Markets, a chain that operates in retail, wholesale and distribution of foods in the Arab country.
The contract includes the sale of cheese bread, pizzas, lasagne, kibbehs, chicken cakes, cheese biscuits and pancakes. In 2011, Clap got halal certification for 37 items. This year, the company participated in business roundtables in Saudi Arabia and was present at the Gulfood, in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, which resulted in the company’s getting its first client in the region.
“We are in the third year of the company’s internationalisation project,” said Júlio Cezar Ribeiro, International Business director at Clap. “We aim, in five years, to have 20% of revenues coming from the foreign market. This year we should reach 10%,” he said. Apart from Saudi Arabia, Clap has clients in the United States, Angola, Spain, France, Chile, Peru, South Africa and China.
The order from the Saudis will be delivered in different shipments, over a period of six months. “We must conclude the shipments by November 30th,” said Ribeiro. The executive adds that the company is negotiating with businessmen from the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon.
Still this year, three businessmen from Dubai will visit the company’s offices in Luz, in the interior of Minas Gerais. “They are going to evaluate the company so that we may produce their brand. They are coming to learn about the company, the installations and the capacity,” explained the director, saying that Clap is available to supply the needs of clients. “We are open to adapting recipes and seasonings,” he added.
According to Ribeiro, the Arab countries may represent a good share of company growth. The Arabs may represent at least 25% of exports. The potential is very large,” he pointed out. “We believe in the potential of the Arab market,” he finished off.
Clap Foods production ranges from 1,000 to 1,100 tonnes a month, with 50% representing bread lines and the other half the lines of frozen dishes. According to Ribeiro, in 2012, the company’s objective is to reach revenues of R$ 100 million (US$ 245 million).
Established in 1991, Clap also has offices in Belo Horizonte and São Paulo, and counts on 400 employees.
Contact
Clap Foods
Tel.: (+55 11) 2631-4900
E-mail: comex@clapalimentos.com.br
Site: www.maricotaalimentos.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
