Brazil's Functional Foods And Supplements Market Should Benefit From Looser Regulatory Control

Although Brazil is one of the countries expected to drive the global economy in the near future, its food market is not growing as fast as some of the other developing countries, such as Venezuela, despite rich food resources. However, its functional food and beverage and dietary supplement markets are growing strongly. According to Nutrition Business Journal, this is because of the country’s relative economic stability, as well as growing urbanization and the consequent demand for convenience, and an aging population that has driven calcium supplements and should also boost sales of fish oils. However, manufacturers complain about the regulatory conditions and level of red tape in Brazil. Regulatory enforcement is strict, and violations can result in product bans, which, like that of "Tahitian Noni" in October 2007, can have a significant impact on category sales. But regulatory conditions appear to be easing, and the country is acting to reduce bureaucracy, partly in order to give more attention to improve sanitation control for foods.