Brazil poised to explore untapped “superfoods” export potential

The global consumption of protein alternatives to meat is poised to experience substantial growth by 2030, with beans, lentils, chickpeas, and sesame seeds, a group of goods known as “superfoods,” emerging as key players in diets worldwide, according to information from ApexBrasil. According to Bloomberg, the market for these “superfoods” could reach $162 billion by the end of this decade.

In Brasília, exporters and importers in the sector gathered for the second edition of the Brazil SuperFoods Summit, organized by the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil) in partnership with the Brazilian Institute of Beans and Pulses (IBRAFE). The event, held on April 2nd and 3rd, brought together representatives from 12 countries to discuss the future of Brazil as a supplier of these highly nutritious foods.

During the event, the presidents of ApexBrasil, Jorge Viana, and IBRAFE, Marcelo Lüders, announced a new agreement between the groups to promote the internationalization of the sector. Viana emphasized that forging agreements leads to an expansion in foreign trade. “Presently, we are lagging behind by 500,000 tons in bean production compared to previous levels, indicating significant untapped potential. We must delve deeper into this remarkable opportunity.”

Despite Brazil already being the world’s second-largest producer of dry beans, with 2.8 million tonnes in 2022, behind only India, there is significant potential for growth in the production and export of these foods. In 2023, international sales amounted to $127 million, below the record of $212 million recorded in 2021.

The partnership’s objective is to expand the export market for Brazilian pulses and specialty crops, from traditional beans to innovative sesame seeds. The goal for 2025 is for participating companies to reach $260 million in sector exports, through fairs, missions, and events in Brazil and Asia, the main consumer market for these products.

Bimal Kothar, president of the Indian Pulses and Grains Association, participated in the Summit in search of Brazilian suppliers to meet the growing consumption demand in India. According to him, India is the world’s largest consumer of pulses, with imports totaling about 4 million tons in 2023. “If Brazilian farmers produce more pulses, they will have a market in India. The value could reach over $1 billion because India can easily import over 1.5 million tons from Brazil. It’s already a large quantity, and there will be even more opportunities in the future because consumption is growing. The income level in India is increasing. We will be the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, with a population of 1.4 billion, so we will need a lot of food,” explained Kothar.

Source: Agrolink

Click here to read the original report in Portuguese: https://www.agrolink.com.br/noticias/brasil-pode-ampliar-exportacoes-de-superalimentos_489846.html

Sharing is caring!