After a record of 150% increase in total ISM business, confirming the trend of increased exports for the third consecutive year, Brazilian companies are relying on to maintain momentum, bringing to Sweets and Snacks Expo 2019, from 21 to 23 May, in Chicago, launches and sales highlights in recent months.
At the stands of the Brasil Pavilion, healthy goods, snacks with whole grains, chocolates made with sustainable cocoa, typically Brazilian sweets and international acceptance, as well as products that already have tradition and conquered consumers in all continents.
The companies BERBAU, EMBARÉ, EMEX, GAROTO, GRANÓ, JAZAM, MARILAN, PECCIN, RICLAN and SIMAS take part at the Brasil Pavilion, booth 1861. The Pavilion is held by ABICAB (Brazilian Chocolates, Peanuts and Candies Manufacturers Association), with the support of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).
Cocoa and forest in harmony
The good phase of the Brazilian industry of confectionery and snacks industry is the result of strong investments by companies in the last five years and the expansion of cocoa production in agroforestry system called “cabruca.” In this system, cocoa is grown in harmony with the forest, allowing the expansion of production in the main producing states, Pará – in the middle of the Amazon rainforest – and Bahia – in the midst of the Atlantic Forest.
Support for sustainable production and increased cocoa productivity are part of CocoaAction Brasil’s purposes, an initiative of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), which brings together farmers, businesses, governments and NGOs.
Currently, Brazil produces 170 thousand tons of cocoa per year and imports another 80 thousand tons to serve the domestic market and the exports of confectionery and chocolate.
“The purpose is to double the national cocoa production in 10 years and thus not only meet growing consumption in the domestic market but also export to take advantage of the global expansion of demand,” says ABICAB president Ubiracy Fonsêca.
The CocoaAction Brazil initiative was launched at the end of 2018 and the articulations between the sector and the government provide incentive programs for the production of cocoa in a sustainable way in other regions of Brazil, including as part of reforestation projects.
