The topic will be a key feature at various internal events of the Food and Beverage Trade Fair, taking place from 8th to 10th April at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo.

Technology and proximity are the key factors driving the expansion of mini-markets in Brazil, including so-called “autonomous” stores. These stores are not only flourishing in neighbourhoods but also within residential condominiums, offering convenience and security that cater to consumer preferences, especially in large urban centres.

The 6th edition of Anuga Select Brazil, one of Latin America’s leading food and beverage (F&B) trade fairs, organised by Koelnmesse Brasil, will highlight this trend through various internal events from 8th to 10th April at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo. Among the featured events are the 4th National Neighbourhood Supermarkets Congress, the Model Supermarket showcase, and the VIP Retail Programme.

Fabiano Polese, Director of Expo Supermercados, an initiative associated with CTDE (Training and Business Development Centre), explains the scale of this growing market: “The expansion of autonomous minimarkets is a trend driven by evolving consumer demands, particularly in large urban centres, where security, convenience, and practicality are increasingly valued,” he explains.

According to him, although data on the Brazilian market in this segment is still limited, estimates indicate rapid growth, with some franchises experiencing expansion rates of up to 42% annually. In 2024, Brazil already had over 10,000 autonomous units, generating between R$1.5 billion and R$2 billion annually, according to figures from FGVcev (Retail Excellence Centre at Fundação Getúlio Vargas).

However, this growth also comes with significant challenges, notes Cássio Rocha, IT Director at Telecon Sistemas, a commercial automation and consultancy company specialised in supermarket management, which will be showcasing industry trends at Anuga Brazil’s Model Supermarket event.

“The efficiency of supply chain logistics, selecting the ideal product mix, customer loyalty, and competition with other retail formats are crucial factors that require strategic planning. For those looking to invest in this emerging sector, overcoming these barriers will be essential to ensure business sustainability and success,” Rocha states.

The viability of these autonomous points of sale, however, depends on innovation and technology. According to Rocha, to provide a seamless shopping experience, entrepreneurs must continuously invest in reducing friction. In addition to self-checkout systems and facial recognition payment methods, trends suggest an increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies. “In Brazil, this transformation is still in its early stages, but its potential is huge, driven by increasingly easier access to these solutions,” he adds.

Product traceability and loss prevention

“A promising example is the use of AI-equipped sensors and cameras to track movement patterns within the store. These technologies monitor stock levels, preventing waste and ensuring the availability of the right products. Moreover, they help business owners better understand shopping habits, optimise product placement, and enhance security against fraud,” explains the IT Director.

Rocha also highlights another already implemented case. A groundbreaking traceability, expiry control, and loss prevention system was applied in the Supermago supermarket chain in Porto Alegre (RS), earning it the highest commercial automation award in Brazil: the 2024 Automation Award, granted by GS1 Brasil – the Brazilian Automation Association.

Unlike traditional labels, which are limited to standard barcodes, these QR codes store detailed product information. Each package receives a unique identifier, and its data is instantly integrated into the ERP System via API. This solution monitors and issues alerts on the status of each item, from weighing to final sale at checkout.

VIP Programmes

In partnership with DDLM (Double Down Live Marketing), an agency specialising in qualifying buyers for business trade fairs and providing high-standard customer service, Anuga will offer a communication channel to strengthen relationships with key buyers in the F&B sector in Brazil, organising two high-value VIP projects at the fair.

The VIP Retail Programme will welcome invited buyers from supermarket chains in São Paulo’s countryside, who will visit the fair through the Koelnmesse Brasil hosted buyer programme. These visitors will have access to exclusive services, making their fair experience even more enriching, productive, and hassle-free.

Alongside VIP Retail, DDLM is also organising the VIP Premium Buyers Programme at Anuga Brazil, which will offer an exclusive loyalty programme, as well as personalised reception and special services for invited participants.

“We at DDLM are delighted with the progress of these two VIP projects at Anuga Brazil 2025, and we are confident that they are already being recognised as major differentiators of the fair. Receiving such positive feedback from participants about the effectiveness of proactive service and the programme’s tailored offerings has been extremely rewarding. Our team is very excited about delivering this experience in April,” says Michael Fine, Director of DDLM.

High-quality content

The expansion of neighbourhood supermarkets in Brazil will also be one of the highlights of the 4th National Neighbourhood Supermarkets Congress, as part of the Anuga Brazil content programme.

“Within this topic, I will address two subtopics: first, how to expand without losing the core characteristic of the business, which is proximity; and second, how to ensure this expansion is sustainable. In other words, given that neighbourhood supermarkets are generally smaller, they want to grow, and I will demonstrate how to do this in a fully planned way, from start to finish,” previews Silvana Crespo, architect, CEO, and founder of PiPeline.

According to Silvana, expanding neighbourhood supermarkets is a challenge that requires planning, strategic vision, and a commitment to financial sustainability. “Proximity is the heart of the neighbourhood supermarket. It is what sets it apart from large retail chains and makes it a special place for customers,” she notes.

However, to maintain this key characteristic during the expansion process, she argues that the solution lies in a combination of strategies that strengthen community ties, personalise customer service, and preserve the business identity.

Event details:

Anuga Select Brazil

Date: 8 to 10 April 2025

Time: 10 am to 7 pm

Location: Anhembi District – Pavilion 1

Address: Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 – Santana, São Paulo – SP

Strategic Partners: ABIR, ABIS, ABRASEL, APEX-BRASIL, EMBRAPA, and EXPO SUPERMERCADOS.

About Anuga Select Brazil – It is organised by Koelnmesse Brazil, which, through the trade fair, provides proper visibility to the diverse activities related to agribusiness and the food and beverage industry. This allows national and international buyers to meet in the same place to do business and discover the industry’s latest innovations. The event will take place from 8th to 10th April 2025 at the Anhembi District, São Paulo.

About Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Food and FoodTec: Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food trade fairs and providing services and products related to food and beverage processing. Trade fairs such as Anuga, ISM – the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair, and Anuga FoodTec are recognised worldwide as undisputed leaders in their sectors. Koelnmesse also organises leading food and beverage trade fairs in key global markets, including Brazil, China, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. Through these global activities, Koelnmesse provides its customers with a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality events across different markets, ensuring a sustainable and international business network.

More information: https://anuga-brazil.com.br/en/

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCebO5_epuMPam5T6hBHVOjQ

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Information for the press:

2PRÓ Comunicação – Koelnmesse Brazil

Teresa Silva – teresa.silva@2pro.com.br | 11-99228-7836

Myrian Vallone – myrian.vallone@2pro.com.br

(11) 3030-9463 | 3030-9404

www.2pro.com.br

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