The natural foods market in Brazil has experienced remarkable growth of approximately 98% in recent years and continues to evolve. The “Brazil Food Trends” report presents intriguing data on the characteristics most valued by new consumers in relation to health in their foods:
- Products that promote physical and mental performance.
- Products that benefit cardiovascular health.
- Products that contribute to gastrointestinal health.
- Products suitable for specific, restrictive diets or food allergies.
- Products with additives and natural ingredients.
- Functional products, with greater nutritional value for the body.
- Products free or with reduced salt, sugar or fat content.
- Organic products.
- Minimally processed products.
In this way, it is possible to incorporate various food trends, such as veganism, vegetarianism, organic products, functional foods, lactose or gluten-free, among others, in the manufacture of fitness products. As mentioned previously, flaxseed is an extremely nutritious food and continues to attract the attention of the ever-growing health food industry. To illustrate, 4 out of 5 Brazilians are willing to pay more for more nutritious foods; 79% of those interviewed replace industrialized products with healthier alternatives; 44% of respondents prefer products without artificial colors, and 24% of Brazilian adults interviewed increased their consumption of highly complex whole grains after learning how to incorporate them into their daily diet.
Trends and challenges in the flaxseed industry: An in-depth analysis
The last linseed harvest was exceptional, and there is currently an abundant supply of this product in Europe. As mentioned previously, the global economic crisis did not affect the “healthy food” sector as much, which remains resilient. On the other hand, the chemical industry sector saw a drastic reduction in consumption. As every action has a reaction, farmers faced huge losses this season. Due to falling prices and low sales volume, they have significantly reduced planting for the next season (23/24), decreasing by around 25% in Kazakhstan. Now, the northern hemisphere is facing a strong heat wave and drought, which should negatively affect the yield of what was planted. Therefore, we can conclude that flaxseed prices are likely to rise again. Currently, the price of linseed oil Refined is quoted at USD 1,315/MT CIF in Santos, in bulk.
By: Maria Thereza | Broker of the Oleochemical Products unit
