Brazilian confectionery and snacks exports increased by 7.14% in the first half 2018, reaching USD 255.1 m. It confirms the trend that has been observed since 2017, when exports reported a strong growth of 19.4% compared to the previous year.  

The trend is expected to continue, according to studies by Brasil Sweets and Snacks, an export project created in partnership by the Brazilian Cholates, Peanuts and Candies Manufacturers Association (ABICAB) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil). In the first six months of 2018, exports of typical Brazilian sweets – made from peanuts, such as paçoca and pé de moleque – in addition to the traditional doce de leite (made with milk and sugar), cereal bars and chocolate presented a more expressive increase.

Exports of typically Brazilian confectionery products grew by 9.9% in the first semester, cereal bars grew by 5.8% and chocolate, by 2.7%, compared to the same period last year. Peanut sales also recorded a strong increase, reaching 33.85% in value in the first six months. “In recent years, the Brazilian confectionery industry has been investing heavily in automation and technology and is reaping the results,” said Ubiracy Fonseca, President of ABICAB.