More than $42 million worth of deals were finalised during the inaugural edition of the “Flavours from Brasil” exhibition held recently in Dubai, said its promoters.

Confirming the phenomenal success of the debut show, The Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brazil) said that with support of IFP Emirates, it had facilitated 720 business meetings between Pan Arab food traders and group of 40 top Brazilian companies.

These firms are exploring new investment opportunities in key growth areas of the region, it said.

"We are overwhelmed by the response and success of the opening edition of Flavours from Brasil, which is underlined by the number of deals that were closed during the event," said Juarez Leal, project manager, Flavours from Brasil.

In addition to the $42 million contracts that were signed by 19 companies in product categories ranging from coffee, poultry and vegetables to confectionaries and organic food, several high-value business transactions were finalised by another 20 companies who preferred to not reveal details of the deals, he revealed.

Commenting on the overall success of the event, Bassel Amaneddine, general manager, IFP Emirates, said, “The feedback from visitors and participating companies at Flavours from Brasil has been very positive and encouraging, which has led us to seriously consider organising this event every year in collaboration with Apex Brasil.”

The expo organised by Apex Brazil, the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency,  with collaboration of IFP Emirates featured the full range of Brazil’s high-quality food exports, including coffee, poultry, sugar cane derivatives, fruit juices, and organics.

Brazil is a global leader in food production and exports, currently one of the top three fruit producers, and the world’s leading coffee producer and exporter.

The country is also the fourth biggest chocolate maker, the second largest cookie producer, and a supplier of around 40 per cent of all poultry consumed worldwide.-TradeArabia News Service