The fifth largest international exporter, Brazil registered an increase in the sales of these products to foreign countries of 4.8 per cent per annum for the period 2005 to 2010.

According to the GTIS (Global Trade International System), the other four producers ranked above it showed weaker growth for the same period: the US – 12 per cent, the Netherlands – 7.7 per cent, France – 5.6 per cent and Germany – 8.2 per cent.

In addition to this rate of growth, Brazilian processed food and drink exports, which reach 197 countries and accounted for US$38 billion in 2010, possesses great diversity and is also growing in quality.

Coordinated by Apex-Brasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), the Brazilian delegation to ANUGA – the world food trade fair being held between 8 and 12 October in Cologne, Germany – comprises 70 companies representing 12 sectors: beef, pork, chicken, coffee and teas, biscuits, sweets, beverages, juices, fruit, regional foods (typical Brazilian cuisine), seasonings and condiments, and food preparations.

These are sectors in which Brazil stands out and is high up in the world production and exporting rankings, not to mention offers high quality and sophisticated products that reflect an increasing concern in the industry with environmental sustainability and the health and well being of consumers.

Apex-Brasil is reinforcing its efforts made in conjunction with these sectors to promote the country’s exports by sponsoring the Brazilian presence at ANUGA. The Agency sustains export promotion projects for 80 economic sectors, benefitting 13,000 national companies.

Pork: exports are growing

Brazil exported 540,000 tons of pork in 2010 with resulting revenues of US$1.34 billion, an increase of 9.32 per cent over the year before.

The most widespread source of animal protein in the world, global production stands at 100 million tons, half of which is produced in China, with the majority of the rest produced by the EU, US and Brazil – the fourth largest producer and exporter.

The country is responsible for three per cent of worldwide production, 11 per cent of exports and has been a growing presence in the international market.

Over the last decade, its exports have been growing quickly, going from four per cent to 11 per cent of the global total. In 2008, it exported 530,000 tons and achieved record sales of US$1.4 billion.

Brazil has been seeking out new export markets for the product, complying with the various sanitation, nutritional and organoleptic (colour, flavour, odour and texture) standards.