Debut appearance for Brazilian peanut exporters at Snackex 2019

Brazil is the world’s fifth largest peanut exporter, having more than doubled its peanut exports in the past four years.

Exports have increased from 63,800 metric tons (MT) per annum in 2014 to 238,600 MT per year in 2018, according to official figures.

“Brazilian peanut production has reported an annual growth of 10%, thanks to the growth in planted area and productivity, which was followed by companies’ investments in laboratories, processing, international certification and quality audits,” ​said Prof Ignacio Godoy from the São Paulo Government’s Agronomic Institute (IAC).

High oleic acid content

More notably, there has been an increase in the production of peanuts with a high oleic acid content, which has great resistance to rancidification and extends the shelf life of the product.

“More than 80% of Brazilian peanuts have this standard, which has stimulated exports,”​ he added.

Peanuts are planted in a sustainable manner in Brazil, in rotation with sugarcane crops. The country also has ample land to increase the area of planting without affecting the environment.

“International prices are stable and remunerate the Brazilian producer; there is also the possibility of expansion of planted area; and this combination allows Brazil to offer security of a continuous supply of a quality product,”​ said Prof Godoy says.

The country’s exported stock is predominantly sold to customers in Europe and Russia.

This year – to showcase the exceptional quality of Brazilian peanuts – four local companies will be exhibiting under the umbrella of the Brazilian Chocolates, Peanuts and Candies Manufacturers Association (ABICAB) with the support of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).

Brazilian line up

Beatrice Peanuts is Brazil’s largest peanut exporter, with over 42,000 MT exported in 2018. Its sales to Europe increased by 60% last year. Beatrice’s products have BRC and ISO 22000 certifications. The company recently invested in a new shelling line with a processing capacity of 25 MT per hour.

Coplana is a cooperative of peanut growers – founded in 1963 – with annual exports close to 40,000 MT of kernels. Coplana is BRC certified grade AA. Its portfolio contains raw and blanched peanuts, roasted peanuts and peanut paste.

Francfort Trade is a private company that acts as an intermediary between companies to broker products such as peanuts, grated coconut, spices, nuts and essential oils. In 2018, it exported 50.00 MT of peanuts. It has ISO 22000 FSSC, halal and kosher certifications.

Ostinato Grains & Oils exported over 30,000 MT of peanuts in 2018, particularly to Western and Eastern Europe, as well as Latin America. Its prominent products include whole and sliced blanched peanut and raw peanut oil. It holds BRC and FSSC 22000 food safety certifications, with traceability and other procedures, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), which are improved annually.