The sweet taste of Brazil

ABICAB - SWEET BRASIL is the international brand of the Brazilian confectionery & peanuts industry, created by the Brazilian Chocolate, Cocoa, Peanuts, Candies and Byproducts Industry Association. Among its many members are Peccin and Nugali. Some of them have been quite visible in trade shows like Sweets & Snacks Middle East.

To learn more about the organization and developments in the industries it covers, we spoke to members of ABICAB namely, Rodrigo Solano, export manager; Juliany Braga Business Intelligence  Coordinator; and Ubiracy Fonseca, Vice President, of Chocolate, ABICAB.  Below are their collective responses during the interview.

How was ABICAB formed as an organization, and how many members does it currently have?     

In 1957, Brazilian Association of Chocolate Manufacturers was founded by Mr. Oswaldo Ballarin, then president of Nestlé Brazil. In 1990, there was the introduction of cocoa and candies, becoming ABICAB. Then, finally we have the introduction of the peanut sector and released of the “Pro -Peanut”  Program  in 2001.    

Pro - Peanut is a self -regulatory and expansion of peanut consumption program. The main objective is to encourage the entire chain to produce peanuts within the national and international quality standards, providing consumers with safe food.  Currently the association consists of about 90 companies.   

What is the mission of ABICAB and how has it helped shape the chocolate and confectionery industry in Brazil?    

The Brazilian Association of Cacao, Chocolates, Candies and Byproducts Industry – is responsible for the industry’s policies both at home in Brazil, as well as abroad.  It is aimed  at  adding  value  to  the  confectionery  industries,  which  are  responsible  for  directly  creating  31,000  jobs  and  for  62,000  indirect  jobs.    

It represents  92 percent of the chocolate  market, 70 percent of the candies and confectionery  market,  80 percent  of  the  peanut  market  and  100 percent  of  the  cacao  market.     

How big is the local industry?  Would you give us a background of the market?

It is the 7th largest world producer (in value) of cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery, according to Euromonitor.  

Considering the production of confectionery in volume, the position was 4th, according to CAOBISCO.

Brazil is the 6th largest confectionery market in value.

Brazil is also the 6th largest market in volume according to Euromonitor.  

It is a traditional industry, with the first factories dating from the nineteenth century. The sector is responsible for directly creating 31,000 jobs and for 62,000 indirect jobs.   

What would you say is Brazil’s competitive edge in this market?     

A triad of good quality, good taste and competitive prices. In addition, the Brazilian industry has been developed to provide nutraceutical products and products with native and different fruits and flavors.   

Brazil is widely known for its quality cocoa and chocolate products.  What differentiates these products from other sources in terms of taste quality, pricing, etc.?    

We believe that Brazilian chocolate is also different once it is combined with different flavors such as Brazilian fruits and due to the processes used that have impact in quality and taste (“terroir”  for example).  

What can buyers of cocoa and chocolate expect in 2016?      

Brazilian industry has been preparing to offer increasingly innovative products and excellent quality cocoa.  The industry has developed more premium products and products for gifting.   

Related reports:

Brazilian sweets and snacks showcased at ISM 2016

Peccin’s Brazilian treats