According to Paulo Filho, project manager of Brazilian Fruit, an initiative for encouraging exports in the sector, Arab importers participate at Fruit Logistica due to it’s importance. “The trade show is a meeting point for supply and demand, one of the greatest fairs in the world,” states Paulo, emphasizing that it would attract importers wherever the venue and that it is an important occasion to see what is new in the sector, how the competition is doing for each product and what is the general feel of the market.
In last year’s edition, Brazilian participation led to contacts with 512 buyers from Europe, Asia, Middle East and Latin America, which resulted in business deals worth US$ 23 million and the possibility of a further US$ 102 million in future orders. The Brazilian Fruit project is supported by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex) and by the Brazilian Fruit Institute (Ibraf).
The fruit mostly sold in the Middle East, according to Filho, are lime and assai. However the region also has a high demand for products such as coconut water, orange juice, papaya and watermelon. “The Middle East has strong representation, but for geographic regions, Europe has a greater participation,” states the businessman. Other regions, however, such as North and Latin America, are also represented. “There is an increasing participation by Eastern Europe,” says the Brazilian Fruit manager.
