Brazilian food exports reached around 190 countries and generated US$66.7 billion in processed food sales abroad in 2025. China, the United States, the Netherlands, Indonesia and Japan are among the leading buyers, while Arab and Latin American countries are also opening up different commercial opportunities. Entering these markets requires a clear understanding of demand, market access requirements, sales channels and buyer profiles. Anuga Select Brazil brings companies closer to this international business environment by gathering buyers, industry organizations and food and beverage professionals in a setting designed to foster new business.<\/p>\n
Brazil breaks records and reaches new markets<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2025, Brazilian food products reached around 190 countries, while processed food exports<\/a> hit a record US$66.7 billion. Behind these figures is a trade network that connects Brazil with major buyers across Asia, reaches demanding markets in Europe and the United States, maintains strong commercial ties with Arab countries and continues to open up opportunities among its Latin American neighbors.<\/p>\n Selling to such a wide range of destinations, however, does not mean these markets operate in the same way. A product that is competitive in Brazil needs to find demand abroad, meet local requirements, reach buyers through the right channels and fit their needs. In some countries, certifications play a decisive role; in others, product characteristics, price, origin, packaging or supply capacity can shape negotiations.<\/p>\n Based on these differences, companies can better direct their efforts and identify opportunities that fit their products. In the sections ahead, we look at who is already buying Brazilian food products, which markets are gaining ground, the products represented in Brazil\u2019s export portfolio and the factors companies need to consider when negotiating with international buyers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In this article<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1. Food exports contribute to Brazil\u2019s trade surplus<\/strong><\/p>\n The scale achieved in international markets is also reflected in the performance of Brazil\u2019s food industry, which ended 2025 with R$1.388 trillion in revenue, up 8.02% from the previous year. Processed food exports accounted for 19.1% of everything Brazil sold abroad and increased 73% in value compared with 2020, according to the Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA).<\/p>\n Another figure stands out for the sector\u2019s contribution to Brazil\u2019s foreign trade. The food industry recorded a US$57.5 billion trade surplus in 2025, equivalent to 84% of the country\u2019s overall positive trade balance that year. This result came despite tariff barriers, international conflicts and logistics costs that affected negotiations throughout the period.<\/p>\n The performance also points to an export portfolio that extends beyond the large agricultural volumes for which Brazil is already known. Processed food and beverages account for a substantial share of these sales, ranging from products with lower levels of processing to higher-value-added categories.<\/p>\n ABIA expects the sector\u2019s exports to reach US$70 billion in 2026. Reaching that level will depend both on the major destinations that already sustain sales and on the industry\u2019s ability to distribute business across different countries.<\/p>\n 2. Which markets buy the most Brazilian food products?<\/strong><\/p>\n China ranked as the leading buyer of Brazilian processed food products in 2025. The United States, the Netherlands, Indonesia and Japan completed the top five, also according to ABIA.<\/p>\n The ranking says a great deal about the geographic reach of these sales. Asia holds three of the top five positions, while the United States and the Netherlands show how far this commercial map extends across other regions.<\/p>\n Europe also accounts for a substantial share. Looking at agribusiness more broadly, Brazilian exports to the European Union<\/a> rose from US$19.5 billion in 2024 to US$21.8 billion in 2025. Green coffee, soybean meal and soybeans led the export mix, followed by products such as beef, corn and sugar.<\/p>\n Diversifying destinations becomes particularly important when a major market undergoes changes in trade policy. Tariffs imposed by the United States affected the sector\u2019s performance in 2025 and, according to an estimate presented by ABIA, resulted in between US$500 million and US$1 billion in unrealized sales. Having buyers across different regions reduces exposure to trade changes concentrated in a single destination.<\/p>\n 3. From Asia to Latin America, Brazilian exports follow different routes<\/strong><\/p>\n China leads purchases of Brazilian processed food products and is joined in Asia by two other countries that ranked among the five largest destinations in 2025. Indonesia and Japan reinforce the region\u2019s position and, more importantly, show that Brazil\u2019s commercial relationships in Asia extend across economies with very different profiles.<\/p>\n Consumer habits, sales channels, regulatory requirements and product positioning vary considerably across these markets. Entering China, Japan or Indonesia involves specific decisions about product portfolios, presentation, documentation and commercial partners. Understanding these differences allows companies to choose destinations more precisely and tailor their strategies to each market\u2019s dynamics.<\/p>\n Beyond Asia, Arab countries hold a noteworthy position in the numbers. In 2025, the Arab League was the second-largest regional bloc for Brazilian processed food exports, ahead of the European Union. Depending on the country and product category, certifications, religious requirements and specific production standards can be part of market access, particularly for animal-based products. FAMBRAS Halal, the largest Halal certification body in Latin America and a partner of Anuga Select Brazil, has around 350 certified companies exporting to markets around the world.<\/p>\n Latin America also saw significant movement in 2025. Brazilian food exports to Argentina grew by 70%, while Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile also recorded increases. Geographic proximity can simplify some logistics operations, but price, competition, distribution and local regulations continue to determine commercial viability in each country.<\/p>\n These developments present Brazilian companies with a wide range of options. There are major Asian buyers, well-established trade relationships with the Arab world and Latin American countries that have recently increased their purchases. Market-entry conditions, buyer profiles and country-specific requirements ultimately determine which destinations make commercial sense for each product.<\/p>\n 4. Which Brazilian food products have a strong international presence?<\/strong><\/p>\n Soybeans, animal proteins, sugar, coffee and corn remain among Brazil\u2019s most prominent products in international trade. In 2025, soybean exports generated US$43.5 billion in revenue, while beef reached a record US$17.9 billion. Coffee exports totaled US$16 billion, up 30.3% in value over the year.<\/p>\n These high-volume exports share the international portfolio with products at different levels of processing. Fruit, juices, biscuits, pasta, bread and cakes also reach buyers abroad, highlighting other areas of Brazil\u2019s food offering.<\/p>\n Other areas of Brazil\u2019s food exports<\/strong><\/p>\n Sources:<\/strong> Conab, ComexStat and Abimapi.<\/p>\n New market openings are also creating opportunities for product groups that already operate at significant international scale. Brazilian beef gained access to 11 new markets during 2025, while pork exports increased 19.6% in value, taking Brazil to the position of the world\u2019s third-largest pork exporter for the first time.<\/p>\n Each product group faces its own commercial conditions abroad. Scale and price may carry greater weight in some negotiations, while processing, origin, certifications, formulation or specific product attributes may shape purchasing decisions in others.<\/p>\n 5. What matters when choosing a new market?<\/strong><\/p>\n A country that imports large volumes of food is not automatically the best destination for every Brazilian product. Before investing in prospecting, six factors can indicate whether an opportunity makes commercial sense.<\/p>\n Demand<\/strong><\/p>\n Who buys the product category, at what volume and price point? Existing demand needs to be compatible with the product\u2019s positioning.<\/p>\n Market-entry requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n Health and safety regulations, registrations, certifications, permitted ingredients and documentation vary by market and product category. Identifying these requirements early reduces the risk of developing a commercial operation that later encounters a regulatory barrier.<\/p>\n Product and packaging<\/strong><\/p>\n Labeling, language, package size, formulation, nutritional information and presentation may all require adaptation. A product sold in Brazil may need adjustments before it is ready for another market.<\/p>\n Logistics<\/strong><\/p>\n Lead times, freight, storage and cold-chain requirements affect final costs and competitiveness. For perishable foods, these factors carry even greater weight.<\/p>\n Sales channels<\/strong><\/p>\n Importers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators and manufacturers have different purchasing models. Defining who the company needs to reach also influences pricing, volume, sales materials and negotiations.<\/p>\n Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n Brazilian products compete with both local suppliers and exporters from other countries. Price alone rarely determines the outcome. Supply consistency, quality, product differentiation and commercial reliability also influence purchasing decisions.<\/p>\n Assessing these factors before selecting a destination makes prospecting more focused and provides a clearer view of the different channels and consumer groups within each market.<\/p>\n 6. How can companies reach international buyers?<\/strong><\/p>\n Once a market has been selected, companies face a stage that is less visible in export statistics: finding the businesses and professionals capable of bringing the product into that country\u2019s distribution chain. Depending on the product category and business model, this may involve importers, distributors, retail chains, wholesalers, manufacturers, foodservice operators or sales representatives.<\/p>\n Companies can combine direct prospecting with support from specialized organizations, trade missions, business matchmaking and industry trade shows. ApexBrasil, which reports supporting 3,565 companies in the food, beverage and agribusiness sectors, works to facilitate these connections and also participates in Anuga Select Brazil through initiatives focused on internationalization.<\/p>\n At the 2026 edition, the agency took part through Exporta Mais Brasil, which organizes business meetings between Brazilian companies and international buyers<\/a>, alongside training and market intelligence initiatives. This combination is particularly valuable because an international negotiation begins well before the first conversation with a buyer. Information on demand, consumer profiles, competition and the characteristics of each destination allows companies to approach those meetings with a stronger commercial proposition.<\/p>\n Trade shows bring these two sides together in the same environment. Alongside direct contact with importers, distributors and retailers, companies can access specialists, industry organizations, content and market information. They can also assess competing products, speak directly with industry professionals and identify adjustments that may be needed before negotiations move forward.<\/p>\n 7. Anuga Select Brazil brings Brazilian products closer to new markets<\/strong><\/p>\n The figures throughout this article show that Brazil already has a presence across different routes in the global food trade. The next decision is much more specific and must be made company by company: which market fits the product, which requirements need to be met and who is worth approaching.<\/p>\n Anuga Select Brazil brings many of these elements together during the trade show. Its program gathers Brazilian and international companies, buyers and organizations involved in the food and beverage trade, alongside initiatives focused on business development and internationalization. It provides an environment where market research, preparation and destination selection can move into commercial conversations.<\/p>\n Anuga Select Brazil 2027<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n New markets can begin with the right business connection<\/strong><\/p>\n From April 6 to 8, Anuga Select Brazil will bring together Brazilian and international food and beverage companies and industry professionals in S\u00e3o Paulo. For businesses seeking opportunities in international markets, the trade show provides a setting to showcase products, meet potential partners and take part in business development initiatives<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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\n Brazilian products<\/strong><\/td>\n What to consider in international markets<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fruit<\/strong><\/td>\n Brazil exported around 1.3 million metric tons in 2025, generating US$1.56 billion in revenue. Mangoes, melons, watermelons, lemons and limes were among the leading products by volume.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Juices<\/strong><\/td>\n Fruit processing represents a distinct export segment, with Brazilian orange juice maintaining a strong presence in international markets.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Snacks and processed foods<\/strong><\/td>\n Convenience, flavor, packaging and adaptation to local consumption habits are important considerations for products competing beyond large commodity supply chains.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Functional foods<\/strong><\/td>\n Formulation, nutritional benefits, ingredients and rules governing claims require careful consideration when entering different markets.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Ingredients<\/strong><\/td>\n Products supplied to the food industry follow a B2B model in which applications, technical specifications, consistency of supply and regulatory compliance can influence negotiations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n