Atacadão Morocco's Strategic Visit to Brazil
In an effort to expand its supply chain and enhance product offerings, Atacadão Morocco participated in a significant business matchmaking event organized by the Halal do Brasil project last week. Although Atacadão is a Brazilian brand, its operations in Morocco are managed by LabelVie, one of the leading retailers in North Africa. Hamza Badri, the Trading & Purchasing Director of Atacadão Morocco, visited Brazil from August 24 to 28, emphasizing the importance of this trip in establishing connections with Brazilian suppliers.
Badri articulated two primary motivations for the visit. First, he highlighted Brazil's status as a major industrial and business hub, presenting numerous opportunities for importing high-quality products at competitive prices into Morocco. The second motivation revolved around the desire to establish direct relationships with farmers and suppliers, steering away from intermediaries who often complicate the purchasing process. "Working directly with Brazilian suppliers is not only easier but also more productive than dealing with European traders who manage Brazilian products," he commented, indicating a clear strategy to streamline procurement.
Building Long-term Partnerships
Atacadão Morocco aims to foster long-term partnerships with Brazilian suppliers, allowing for the customization of products to better meet Moroccan market demands. Badri expressed enthusiasm about the potential for collaboration, noting that suppliers could produce specific sizes and formats that cater to local preferences. The company is particularly interested in sourcing coffee, rice, biscuits, and confectionery items from Brazilian producers.
Reflecting on his experiences during the matchmaking event, Badri remarked on the preparedness of the suppliers he encountered. "I was positively surprised by what I found. All the suppliers I met were well-prepared and had a lot of information about our country, our needs, and our group," he stated. The event brought together six Arab companies and over 30 Brazilian businesses, facilitating fruitful discussions on food and beverage procurement. Additionally, the participants attended the Brazil & Arab Countries Economic Forum and toured food processing plants in Paraná.
This initiative was orchestrated by the Halal do Brasil Project, which is managed by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) with the objective of promoting Brazilian halal products internationally, catering to the dietary requirements of Muslim consumers. LabelVie, which oversees Atacadão Morocco, is part of a larger group that includes well-known brands such as Burger King and Virgin Megastore in Morocco, as well as Carrefour in the local market.
Atacadão, originally founded in Paraná in the 1960s and rebranded in the 1970s, was a pioneer of Brazil's cash-and-carry model, offering large wholesale-style stores that sell to both consumers and small businesses at competitive prices. The company has expanded significantly since its acquisition by Carrefour in 2007 and entered the Moroccan market in 2012, where it has established over 20 stores across various cities.
As reported by anba.com.br.
