Cairo – GMS Trade, an Egyptian trading company, wants to supply medicinal and aromatic herbs and essential oils to the Brazilian market. The company was founded three years ago and specializes in importing coffee, a product it buys from Brazil, and exporting herbs and oils.
GMS Trade director Mustafa Saeed said the company works to deliver high-quality oils and herbs at reasonable prices to consumers worldwide. Exported products are used as inputs for food and cosmetics. Egypt is a renowned supplier in the segment, especially for fennel, black cumin, caraway, chamomile, jasmine oil, and lemongrass.
According to Saeed, the Brazilian market is promising for GMS Trade products, as it is one of the countries with more significant development in the cosmetics and food industries. The Egyptian company seeks to reach this sector directly or through agents and suppliers.
The director noted trade relations between Egypt and Brazil had significantly strengthened in recent years after the entry into force of the Egypt-Mercosur free trade agreement. The treaty came into force in late 2017 and allowed the access of Egyptian products to Brazil with reduced or waivered customs tariffs.
According to him, GMS Trade products are 100% pure and produced on Egyptian farms following a product quality monitoring and control system, from cultivation to reaching the consumer. The company operates in the segment with its subsidiary brand Galileo, which is renowned for its quality.
Brazilian market
Saeed reported global studies analyzed by the company indicated Brazil imports USD 87.8 million in essential oils and aromatic herbs annually, placing the country as the world’s 16th biggest importer in the segment. He said the Brazilian market for essential oils and aromatic herbs grosses USD 5 billion.
He added research indicates that Brazilian consumers use essential oils and medicinal herbs in their daily lives, whether as perfumes, cosmetics, food flavorings, or for therapeutic purposes. Consumers in the country also use them as an alternative to chemicals. It is estimated over 90% of Brazilians use essential oils or herbs regularly. Hence, he sees a massive opportunity in this market.
APAS Show 2023
GMS Trade showcased its products in Brazil in May at the APAS Show 2023, in a space organized for Arab brands by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC). The director claimed the event was an excellent opportunity to get to know the Brazilian market and its needs, in addition to familiarizing the company’s target audience with the various uses of essential oils, such as aromatherapy, beauty, food, and medicine.
According to the general director, participating in an event like APAS Show is one of the best ways to meet people, show how the company’s products work, and establish long-term relationships with all potential customers, from importers to distributors and end users. Saeed explained the company plans to conquer global markets with its essential oils and herbs.
GMS Trade is planning to increase production capacity, which would allow it to meet the increased demand for the items it sells and develop a more efficient production system for export. The company also plans to create new product lines to meet customer demand.
Translated by Georgette Merkhan & Elúsio Brasileiro
