Importers, members of the press, trendsetters and consumers had the opportunity to discover and taste Brazilian fruits during two events held simultaneously on June 20th in Johannesburg, South Africa. The initiatives were part of the Brazilian Fruit Project coordinated by the Brazilian Fruit Institute (Ibraf) in partnership with the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).
Organized by the federal government to provide a “sensational experience,” Casa Brasil was the center of one of the Project's initiatives, which also involved the beef, poultry, wine and coffee sectors. All of these food sectors combined as the “Flavors from Brazil” initiative. About 520 guests took part in the event, including importers and representatives of the retail network and the press. Participants discovered more about Brazil and the sectors involved, as well as tasting dishes featuring Brazilian products prepared by the chef Eliana Relvas.
During the event, guests were treated to the distinctive and unique flavor of typically Brazilian fruit, including guaraná soft drinks, açaí ice-cream and guava sweets. Delegates also received a Brazilian fruit kit and a T-shirt to wear while cheering for Brazil during the World Cup game that completed the event. They also received a folder containing information about the Brazilian companies that participated in the initiative: Bela Iaçá, Predilecta and Xereta/Vittal.
“We demonstrated our potential and highlighted the wonderful flavors of Brazilian fruit,” said Ibraf executive manager, Valeska de Oliveira. “Obviously, South Africa has enormous possibilities to expand their import of processed fruit and we believe this initiative showed that we can be a successful partner in this area – not only in South Africa but also in other African countries.”
The Brazilian Fruit Blitz
Restaurants in Johannesburg also had the opportunity to “Discover Brazilian flavor” on June 20th. Five restaurants, four of them Brazilian, received kits that included a yellow t-shirt bearing the Brazilian Fruit Project logo (and representative of the Brazilian football team’s uniform) as well as information on Brazilian fruit and product samples.
Clients caught the Brazilian spirit and wore the t-shirts during lunch in the restaurants. “We were successful in sharing the Brazilian experience and presenting the flavor and quality of Brazilian fruit products,” de Oliveira added. The Brazilian Fruit Blitz also happened on June 25th when Brazil played Portugal.
Source: Brazilian Fruit Institute