São Paulo – Olive oil, olives, assorted sauces, pasta, couscous. The Moroccan area of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce’s stand was quite busy this Wednesday (3), the second day of the Apas Show, a fair organized by the São Paulo Supermarkets Association (Apas) and running until Friday (5) at São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte.
Even though no actual deals were made, the receptivity of Brazilians to Moroccan goods left the Arab traders enthused. In between meetings, Heuda Guessous, the sales and marketing manager with Sicopa, which represents the Le Pepper Red and Alia brands, told ANBA that the results have been positive, considering that this is his first time.
“We are not expecting to close any deals. Our focus is on seeking clients and assessing the potential for Moroccan products on the Brazilian market,” said the executive, who’s showcasing green and black olives, caperberries and cherry pepper sauces.
Sicopa used to sell to Brazil, but stopped some ten years ago, according to Guessous. “It’s a market of 200 million people. We expect to begin selling to the country anew,” she explained, adding that her brands also offer other items which are available to be imported, although they’re not on display, such as tomato sauces and couscous. “We are looking for importers and distributors. We had meetings with representatives from supermarkets who showed keen interest in carrying our items,” she said.
Jamila Aitakka, the international development director with Aicha, is looking for partners and distributors for her brand, one of Morocco’s best known ones. “We are the number one in tomato sauces, and the country’s biggest olive oil exporter,” she said.
A first-timer at the Apas Show as well as in Brazil, the company is also exhibiting olives and various sauces and preserves. The goal, according to Aitakka, is to carve out a new market for Aicha.
“I am very pleased with the receptivity. In our first time here we can reach a deal and begin exporting to Brazil,” adding that she also has her sights on other South American countries. “We ship product to the United States, Canada, North Africa, the Middle East, and now we intend to reach a new region,” he explained.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
