Piaui's Honey Export Breaks into Japan's Market

Strategic Insights -

The state of Piaui in Brazil has marked a significant milestone in its internationalization efforts with the export of honey from the Mixed Beekeepers' Cooperative (COMAPI) to Japan. This transaction, facilitated by Investe Piaui, marks the entry of Piaui's family farms into the demanding Asian market and reinforces the agency's mission to promote sustainable economic development. The 600kg shipment of honey arrived in Tokyo in March and is expected to be sold in Japanese coffee shops starting in August. This achievement has positioned Piaui as the largest exporter of honey in Brazil, with family farming accounting for more than 90% of honey production in the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • Investe Piaui facilitated the first honey export from the Mixed Beekeepers' Cooperative of the Simplicio Mendes Microregion (COMAPI) to Japan, marking the entry of Piaui's family farms into the Asian market.
  • The partnership was led by Investe Piaui's Sao Paulo office, which identified Japan as a strategic market for Piaui honey due to its sustainability, family-based origins, and organic potential.
  • Polvo Lab provided technical and commercial support for the export operation and was responsible for commercial intermediation and monitoring the export between the client and the cooperative.
  • COMAPI, a cooperative of 295 beekeepers from eight municipalities in the Simplicio Mendes region, had experience exporting to countries such as the United States, Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom before entering the Japanese market.
  • Ricardo Carvalho, Commercial Director of Investe Piaui in Sao Paulo, stated that this is just the first of many operations underway, relying on an active market prospecting strategy in several countries through the Agency's international offices.
  • The export success shows that Piaui honey can reach the entire world and reinforces the state's commitment to development that combines sustainability, technology, identity, and social inclusion.

Statistics:

  • 600kg of honey was shipped to Japan.
  • The shipment arrived in Tokyo in March and is expected to be sold in Japanese coffee shops starting in August.
  • Piaui accounts for more than 90% of honey production in the state.
  • COMAPI is made up of 295 beekeepers from eight municipalities in the Simplicio Mendes region.

Sources:

  • Piaui Government (no date).

"Investe Piaui Articula a Primeira Exportacao de Mel de Cooperativa Piauiense Para o Japao e Fortalece a Agricultura Familiar".

https://www.pi.gov.br/investe-piaui-articula-a-primeira-exportacao-de-mel-de-cooperativa-piauiense-para-o-japao-e-fortalece-a-agricultura-familiar/