The Brazilian Agency for Promotion of Exports and Investments (Apex-Brazil), from the Federal Government, signed on Monday in Rio de Janeiro a new partnership of the Sweet Brazil Project with the Brazilian Association of the Industry of Chocolate, Cocoa, Peanuts, Candies and Derivatives (Abicab). The initiative aims to enhance the internationalization of the national industry sector. In 2011, the industry exports reached US$ 336 million. The partnership has a value of R$ 5.3 million and involves the execution of actions in the period 2012-2014. The signing took place during the official opening of the 15th International Fair Sweet Brazil at Riocentro.

The Sweet Brazil Project was started by Apex-Brazil and by Abicab in 1998. The latest two agreements, signed in 2008 and 2010, totaled R$ 10.6 million in investments to expand the participation of Brazilian products in this segment in the foreign market, reported the Press Office of the Apex-Brazil. "We realize that the project has evolved significantly," told Agência Brasil the Business Director of Apex-Brazil, Rogério Bellini. "The project we will work in the next biennium refers to priority markets of Angola, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Colombia, Peru and United States."

Industry exports amounted to US$ 108 million in the first four months of this year, with an increase of 4% compared to the same period in 2011. While sales to Latin America fell 3.5% in January/April 2012 as compared to the same period last year, exports to the markets of Africa and United States showed growth rates, respectively, of 22% and 49%.

"In spite of South America having more export volume, exports grew quite a lot for these two markets. Thus the Brazilian products are starting to recover and win more competitiveness in these markets ".

Industry exports in 2011 reached US$ 336 million, 11% of increase over 2010. The segment of hard candies has contributed about US$ 186 million (an increase of 9% compared to 2010) and chocolates with US$ 140 million, 10% more than in the previous year.

08 August 2012