Anuga Select Brazil concluded its seventh edition in São Paulo with a record-setting business matchmaking program, underscoring the growing scale and international reach of Latin America’s food and beverage sector.
Organizers said the three-day event brought together more than 14,000 visitors, including major domestic and international buyers, connecting companies from 96 countries with more than 550 brands. The latest edition marked a 10% increase in overall size and a 48% rise in international participation, highlighting the event’s expanding global footprint.
At the center of the gathering was a hosted buyer program that facilitated roughly 2,500 meetings, part of a broader total of nearly 3,000 business discussions held during the fair. More than 300 companies—representing about 60% of exhibitors—took part in the initiative, which generated approximately BRL 150 million in business activity, according to organizers. The program also included strategic partners aimed at broadening the scope and diversity of negotiations.
Beyond dealmaking, the event placed a strong emphasis on industry content, with more than 200 hours of programming designed to address a wide range of professional audiences. Across more than 208 hours of sessions, experts, executives and chefs explored market trends, innovation and practical applications across both manufacturing and retail.
New features included a Cooking Show led by Casa Flora, offering live demonstrations and technical culinary insights, as well as dedicated spaces such as Burger Trends and industry-focused congresses. Discussions centered on evolving consumer preferences, including rising demand for healthier foods, clean label products and the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the consumer journey.
The event also reflected increasing attention to sustainability and social responsibility within the industry. Sesc Mesa Brasil partnered with organizers to promote food donation efforts, encouraging attendees to contribute at registration points. The initiative resulted in the collection of more than 2.6 tons of food, a 40% increase from the previous edition, to be distributed to social institutions serving vulnerable communities. Organizers said the effort also helped deepen ties between companies and social programs, creating additional avenues for collaboration.
Exhibitors showcased a mix of novelty-driven and health-oriented products, illustrating the dual forces shaping consumer demand. Among the more unconventional offerings were chocolate brownies with bacon, beverages featuring “bursting pearls,” and 3D-shaped ice creams modeled after foods such as coxinha and hamburgers. At the same time, functional products gained traction, including instant purées containing 25g of whey protein per serving.
Sustainability and product origin also featured prominently, with companies presenting items such as wines and sparkling beverages made from Amazonian fruits using traditional international techniques, alongside circular production models that emphasize reuse of inputs and returnable packaging.
With participation from more than 550 brands, the event reinforced its position as a key hub for industry players seeking both commercial opportunities and insight into emerging trends. Organizers have already confirmed that the next edition will take place from April 6 to 8, 2027, when companies and buyers are expected to reconvene to continue expanding business ties and exploring innovations shaping the global food and beverage market.
Find out more at: https://anuga-brazil.com.br/en/