“I see the demand for healthy and functional products growing strongly”
In this exclusive interview, Adilson Carvalhal Junior, President of the BFBA and importer with Casa Flora, shares his insights on the key challenges of bringing foreign food products to Brazil. He highlights rising demand for healthy, functional foods, the importance of trade shows like SIAL Paris, and the regulatory efforts needed to ease international trade show.
As President of the BFBA and a long-standing importer with Casa Flora, what are the main challenges today for bringing foreign food products onto the Brazilian market?
There are some important challenges, the first being the economic issue. With the devaluation of the real, it is important to conduct good market research to understand whether the product is economically viable. Another important point is the regulatory issue. The importer has to check all the legal aspects to import a new product.
Brazil is a huge but complex market. In your opinion, which categories of imported food products currently offer the greatest growth opportunities?
I believe that the biggest categories with growth potential are healthy and functional foods, as well as products that bring innovation to their categories.
SIAL Paris official trade show plays a key role in connecting producers and importers from around the world. What does this event mean for a player like Casa Flora?
For me, the fair has two important roles. The first is that at SIAL I meet all the important players in the sector, those with whom we already have a business relationship as well as potential new partners. The second is that I can learn about new trends and innovations in the food market.
Are Brazilian consumers now more curious or more demanding when it comes to products from abroad? What trends are you seeing?
Yes, I believe that consumers are more demanding in all aspects, both for products produced in Brazil and for imported products. As a trend, I see the demand for healthy and functional products growing strongly.
As President of the BFBA, what concrete actions are you taking to change regulations and facilitate international trade in food products?
This is a complex issue that requires constant effort. Our main focus is to be close to the Ministries and to have a dialogue with them to discuss the new regulations and obstacles that the current legislation has. Another important point is to monitor the new laws that are being processed in the National Congress to understand what impacts they may have on the sector and to work on the best solution for the sector.
Image credit: Adilson Carvahal Junior
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