The company based in Rio Claro, Brazil, joined three firms; Docile, Montevérgine, and Toffano from ABICAB (the Brazilian Chocolate, Cocoa, Peanuts, Candies and Byproducts Industry Association) at the show.
My Toffee Greek yogurt
It used the event to promote its My Toffee Greek yogurt filled with Passion Fruit and Freegells Gum Cinnamon flavor as products for the Middle East and Africa markets.
Luis Guilherme Fiorio, export department, Riclan, said it wanted to attract customers as well as increase business with existing clients but last year it had more visitors from Africa.
“We would like to see more presence from African visitors at the fair although the event is still an attractive one for us and we are happy with the addition of Yummex Middle East, which is more specialized than Gulfood Manufacturing for us,” he said.
Cristian Ahlert, international business, Docile, exhibited its latest range of products from its strawberry Maxmallow Heart marshmallow to its Pastille 16.5g stick with fruit, grape, strawberry and tutti frutti flavors.
The company, which specializes in six lines; jellies, chewing gum, powdered drinks, pastilles, gelatin sweets and marshmallows, has two facilities in Lajeado and Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil and will install a new production line for its Mini Minty candy, changing the shape and the packaging of the product this year.
MENA trend for marshmallows
“We are witnessing a trend in marshmallows as a new category in the Middle East. As a candy business specializing in this market segment we hope to increase sales with our products in this region,” he added.
A total of 10 Brazilian companies attended Yummex Middle East; four from ABICAB and six (Bauducco, Dallas, Marilan, Millen, Multibrands Export and M. Dias Branco) from the Brazilian Biscuits, Pasta and Industrialized Breads & Cakes Project from the Brazilian Manufacturers Association of Biscuits, Pasta and Industrialized Breads and Cakes (ABIMAPI).
Both associations belong to the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).