Brazilian exporters close $1.4 bn worth of business in Germany

Brazilian business leaders closed $1.4 billion worth of business during the five days of Anuga, the international food and beverage trade show held every two years in Cologne, Germany. Out of this total, about $200 million consisted of deals closed on the spot and the remainder are agreements to be confirmed in the upcoming 12 months. This year, the event took place in October 10-14.

The figures were released by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX), which reported that most of the amount is related to meat deals. According to André Favero, Business Director for APEX, out of the 84 suppliers that represented Brazil at Anuga, about 30 are in the beef, pork, and chicken business.

The amount sealed was 28% up from the previous edition of the food fair in 2013. Other products in high demand this year were local Brazilian and natural foods. Products like açaí (a native Amazon berry), Brazilian cheese rolls (pão de queijo, small rolled buns made from cassava flour), Brazil nuts, nut milk, and gluten- and lactose-free foods are some examples.

Also according to Favero, Anuga is the most important trade show in the food industry. “It's in the top trade show calendars worldwide, and it's also the biggest in terms of new business volume. It's also very important in setting trends. All leading restaurants, supermarket, and hotels chains are there.”

The commodity price collapse that adversely affected food exports has not impacted meat, Brazil's leading business-driving product in the fair, the APEX director pointed out. “The European Union's embargo on Russia in the [meat] industry has been favorable to Brazil, helping keep prices at a slightly higher level,”he said.

Translated by Mayra Borges