Geovana Pagel
São Paulo – "Oficina do Mel", a small company in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, which has been producing honey based products enriched with medicinal and energetic herbs, such as pomegranates, watercress, ginger, eucalyptus, guarana, and assai (two plants typical of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest) for 11 years, wants to begin export to the Arab countries still in 2004.
With their eye on potential import markets, however without being able to invest in trips or participation in international fairs, the company used more accessible resources such as the Internet to go after its objective.
"I was surfing the Internet when I noticed a surge in export to the Arab countries," stated Egidio Alexandrino, director of Oficina do Mel.
"As we know that the Arabs are not only large honey consumers, but also very friendly to Brazilians, we feel that the region presents an excellent market," he stated.
Experience
This is not the first time the company operates on the international market. Since 1999, their products have been sold in the United States, indirectly, however.
According to Alexandrino, export takes place every two months through a Brazilian company with a branch in New York.
"That was how we managed to begin our international contact. Now we want to take the first steps in direct sales, mainly to the Arab countries," he stated.
The businessman stated that the products possess all necessary certification for export, such as the phytosanitary certificate and packages with information in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
"If necessary, we can provide labels in Arabic. All we need is an opportunity," he guaranteed.
62,000 units
The company has five employees and monthly productive capacity of 50,000 units of propolis extract in spray format, and 12,000 units of energetic honey.
However, according to Alexandrino, the company can increase production by around 40%, without the need for investment. "In case it is necessary to produce more, so as to supply export demand, all we need to do is work on the employee work shifts," he stated.
Currently, around 80% of the products are consumed on the domestic market.
Products
Spray propolis extract contains two variations: honey, propolis, pomegranate, and watercress; and honey, propolis, ginger, and eucalyptus. The company also produces energetic honey, which includes guarana and assai in its composition.
Contact
Telephone: (+5537) 3214 7227
e-mail: ofdomel@mastercabo.com.br
