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Not just the so-called exotic products are sources of revenue for Brazil. There are other categories that are equally important, such as ethnic and organic products. Ethnic products are products that although not as unique as jabuticabas, are almost exclusive to Brazil, like açai, cachaça, pao de queijo, goiabada, panetone, queijo catupiri, fruit jams, and special peppers, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and still others like brigadeiro – a sweet that is a must in any Brazilian children’s birthday party - about to be launched in the American market.

One of the main markets for these products is the Latin community living in the US, which according to official estimates include approximately 2 million Brazilians. The export efforts are coordinated by Apex - Brazilian Exports Promotion Agency, which develops joint work with the Brazilian Food and Beverage Association (ABBA).

Alberto Bicca, Abba’s CEO, says that the OrganicsBrasil Project has brought together several companies specializing in typically Brazilian products , an initiative that includes the decisive participation of the Development Promotion Institute and the Federation of Industries of Paraná.

Still during this week, the project will participate in BioFach Japan, the most important organics trade show in Asia, which convenes 240 businesses from 24 different countries.

This is not just a dream that will come true in the distant future. The project began in 2005 with 12 member companies and exported approximately US$ 9.5 million. At present, in the first semester alone, the project’s 74 member companies have exported around US$ 36 million.

A Beginning

Ming Liu, executive coordinator of the OrganicsBrasil project emphasizes that these figures can be viewed as just a beginning – Brazil has much to do to conquer the Asian market, particularly Japan, since it imports about 80% of all the food consumed, 10% o which organic. There are great opportunities for in natura and processed products, such as cosmetics, but that will require intensive and persistent work and the determination to win over a final consumer that, more often than not, is also a local distributor. Good relationship with this kind of end consumer is a sure strategy for success – says the executive.