Geovana Pagel*
geovana.pagel@anba.com.br
São Paulo – The target of propolis producer Bioessens for 2008 is to increase its client list by entering markets it does not yet supply, like the Arab nations. "We are greatly interested in introducing our products in the Arab markets, both in the Middle East and North Africa," stated Daniel Ken Shimizu, administrative director at the company based in Cotia, in southeastern Brazil.
According to him, the main product currently exported by the company is raw green propolis and propolis in alcoholic extract, sold in bulk. "We have been exporting to the Asian market for 14 years, mainly to Japan," explained Shimizu. Each month around 300 kilograms are shipped through medium-term contracts, not counting sporadic orders, the so-called spot sales.
According to Shimizu, to match the rigorous quality standards of Japan, the factory is registered at the Federal Inspection Service at the Ministry of Agriculture (SIF/MA) under number 1399.
According to the director, the company currently has a capacity for production of two tons of bulk propolis a month, with no need for investment. With regard to the domestic market, monthly production is two tonnes of honey in fractioned products (bottles, pots and bags).
Established in 1994, Bioessens generates 11 direct jobs and is specialized in the supply of raw propolis and finished products to clients in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and herbal medication sectors.
Laboratory
Bioessens has its own laboratory equipped to promote microbiological and physical-chemical analysis of products and to develop new products. The propolis is collected by trained beekeepers. It is then rigorously selected little by little and stored in refrigerators at minus 18 degrees Celsius. Only then is the product packed in plastic bags in a modified atmosphere – using a combination of gases that avoid growth of fungi and preserve the quality and freshness of the product.
Each lot of propolis received is analysed to check the quality. The microbiological analysis is promoted frequently to guarantee good quality of the products from the bee farms. Apart from that, Bioessens works with a traceability system that guarantees all necessary information regarding the origin of the product. Therefore, the producer can trace suppliers, harvesting region, date and even climate conditions on the day of the collection.
The varieties of raw propolis made by Bioessens are harvested in wild areas to avoid contamination. The beehives are kept far from crops to avoid bee contact with plantations that could be treated with pesticides.
Contact
Bioessens
Telephone: (+55 11) 4612-3885
Site: www.bioessens.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
