Export of dog and cat foods gains momentum

SÃO PAULO-While industry suffers from the loss of competitiveness abroad and the growth of imports, manufacturers of products for pet (dogs and cats) design a 22.3% increase in exports in 2014, with 99% of shipments are of rations for dogs and cats, according to the Brazilian Association of the Industry of Pet Products (Abinpet).
To take advantage of this expansion, companies such as Nicoluzzi feed and Food Total bet strong on entry into new countries. In five years, sales abroad must respond for up to 30% of production and 20% of their annual turnover, respectively.
In 2013, the sales of this industry to the foreign market totaled $ 231,9 million, and this year, they may reach $ 283,5 million, according to estimates by Abinpet.
"Exports of kibble for dogs and cats have been gaining strength with the Pet project Brazil, held in partnership with Apex-Brazil [an organ linked to the federal Government], created to assist national firms interested in foreign markets," says the CEO of Abinpet, José Edson Galvão de France, in an interview with DCI. Currently, the food produced in Brazil are exported to more than 86 countries, encompassing the u.s., European and Asian continent.
"We are a major producer of grains and animal proteins. It's our differentiator. We offer a guarantee of better supply ", complements France.
According to the Executive, the Brazil is the second largest market of products for pets in the world, behind only the United States, with a turnover of r $ 15.2 billion-including the categories of food, medicine, hygiene and beauty accessories.
Expectations
The catarinense Nicoluzzi rations, which also industrializes fish meal and flour of shrimp shells, started to export food to dogs and cats last year. On occasion, 100 tons were exported, which contributed to ending the year with total revenues of $ 70,000, according to the export manager of Nicoluzzi, Alfredo Pinto.
"We expect a growth of 2.8% of the gross sales abroad this year, reaching $ 72 thousand," said Pinto. The idea is to expand its operations into new markets in Africa, South America and the Middle East. Currently, the company serves three countries: Paraguay, Suriname and Ghana. "There are Nations with whom we have more affinities, so we decided to start exports for them."
To expand your frame of customers, the Nicoluzzi plan to expand participation in international fairs. "We want to earn $ 200,000 in sales abroad until 2015," he says. Within five years, these exports of pet food for dogs and cats should represent 30% of the annual production of Nicoluzzi rations.
The manufacturer of feedingstuffs, rearing field and Total domestic Food, put in a 10% increase in sales with sales abroad within five years.
"Exports represent 10% of the company's revenue, but we can grow more. In five years, sales abroad may account for 20% of revenues, "says the Chief Operating Officer of Total foods, Anderson Duarte. The petfood field and creation are also included in this projection, because the company does not separate the numbers of each sector. Currently, it exports to more than 40 countries, and just last year, the total turnover reached R $ 450 million.