BioFach América Latina and ExpoSustentat 2009

From 28–30 October 2009, the BioFach América Latina and ExpoSustentat exhibitions will once again transform the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo into the biggest platform for the Latin American organic sector and its internationally operating companies. At the last event there, 328 exhibitors presented their products to the 7,874 visiting international buyers. The economic prospects in Brazil are promising and Germany is one of its top trading partners. Brazil is already preparing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and this sporting occasion is to bubble with green ideas!
(picture: Entrance to BioFach América Latina)

The international financial crisis is not affecting Brazil as severely as other countries. “Brazil was one of the last countries to be hit by the crisis and could now be one of the first to escape,” according to a current report by German Trade & Invest, the foreign trade and inward investment agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The economy and consumer climate have developed very positively over the past five years. Private consumption was the number one motor for the economy in 2008 and contributed over 60 % of the Brazilian Gross Domestic Product at the last count. Increased income and improved credit facilities promote consumption. Brazilians spent 100 % more on food and as much as 125 % more on drinks from 2002 to 2007. Sales of cosmetics and body care grew by 70 %. The government is doing all it can with a variety of measures to make sure 2009 is also a year of growth, says the report. So excellent conditions for BioFach América Latina and ExpoSustentat, which are already 75 % booked up and expect 330 exhibitors and 10 to 20 % more space. The metropolis of São Paulo, the venue of the exhibition duo, accounted for some 40 % of the nationwide trading turnover in 2008. (picture: Booth at the BioFach América Latina)

About 75,000 shops sell food throughout Brazil. The three largest chains include the Brazilian company Pão de Açúcar, which offers a basic organic range of fresh food and groceries. The international competitors, the French food concern Carrefour and the US trading giant Walmart, are also active in the organic segment. The trading chains attach high priority to environmental protection, sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. Walmart, the world’s biggest trading company, currently puts sustainability right at the top of its agenda. “We consider sustainability is one of the most vital issues for the future of our business and for the future of our world,” is the message on the company’s home page. Walmart is also the world’s biggest customer for organic cotton. (picture: organic vegatables at Pão de Açúcar)
 
Climate protection, sustainability and biodiversity are topics that are discussed intensively in the trade. The influence of agricultural production and the food and consumer goods trade is undisputed. The awareness of this is growing – worldwide. The organic sector accepted a high degree of responsibility here right from the beginning, as the careful use of resources and protection of the environment are part of the basic philosophy of organic companies. Today, companies and their products must meet social, ethical and environmental protection criteria more than ever before. Classic organic companies have a lead here. They have worked in this sector out of conviction for many years and have long supported environmental protection, Corporate Social Responsibility and fair relationships with suppliers. More and more consumers appreciate this.

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture is promoting the organic sector and has introduced the relevant legal essentials and an official organic label in a public selection process. The government also offers many support measures for producers and for marketing organic products. Over 100 million US dollars have been invested until now. The first organic products with the new official label are expected on the shelves in the shops in the first half of 2010. These must comply with the organic regulations passed by parliament. Organic manufacturers can register with the Ministry of Agriculture for using the label. Good prospects for the organic sector are also created in connection with the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in which organic and sustainability are to play a major role. Planeta Orgânico, organizer of the green exhibition duo together with Nürnberg Global Fairs, the international subsidiary of NürnbergMesse, is working with government representatives on plans for using organic products for World Cup catering. (picture: Organic farm near Rio de Janeiro)

International manufacturers wanting to gain a foothold in the Brazilian market are recommended to exhibit in the German pavilion at BioFach América Latina. The pavilion is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) and provides attractive stands. The German government’s matchmaking programme Al Invest offers excellent opportunities for making initial contact with customers or importers in Brazil. In cooperation with the Brazilian Chamber of Trade, Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo, FIESP, the programme helps to prepare the ground for business between European and Brazilian companies. ((picture: Meeting at the German Pavilion)

Trade visitors and buyers should not only plan a tour of BioFach América Latina with its broad spectrum of certified organic products, but also take time for a visit to the sustainability exhibition ExpoSustentat. The Sala Andes-Amazônia country pavilion combines a rich range of fair and sustainably manufactured products from Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia and Peru. The common aim is to retain biodiversity through the careful handling of raw materials that are often collected from the wild in the Amazon and Andes regions. These treasure chests of vegetation variety constantly reveal new exotic raw materials – ingredients coveted in Europe for organic juices, food supplements or innovative natural cosmetics. A typical product from the rainforest is the cupuaçu fruit, which is especially rich in vitamin A and C. Visitors can see many other culinary, exotic and international organic treasures for themselves for the seventh time in Brazil from 28–30 October 2009: BioFach América Latina and ExpoSustentat again promise to be a real occasion for the organic world! (picture: BioFach América Latina)

BioFach globally:
 

• BioFach America, Boston 24–26 September 2009
• BioFach Japan, Tokyo 7–9 October 2009
• BioFach América Latina/Expo Sustentat, São Paulo  28–30 October 2009
• BioFach India, Mumbai 18–20 November 2009
• BioFach and Vivaness, Nürnberg 17–20 February 2010

Contact for exhibitors: Miriam Hempel, Nürnberg Global Fairs, Messezentrum, 90471 Nürnberg, Germany
Tel +49 (0) 9 11. 86 06-86 92, biofach@ngfmail.com