Ten Brazilian ceramic companies, with the support of Apex, recently participated in The Big 5 Show in Dubai’s International Exhibition Center. According to show organizers, The Big 5 is the largest and most important exhibition for the Middle East’s building and construction industry that attracts key regional and international decision makers - more than 2,000 exhibitors and over 40,000 trade visitors.

The Brazilian Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers (ANFACER), with the support of Apex (the Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency) and Abirochas (the Brazilian stone association), grouped the Brazilian tile and stone companies together within the Brazilian Pavilion. The 10 ceramic tile Brazilian companies were: Atlas, Batistella, Casagrande, Ceusa, Gail, Gyotoku, Inti, Itagres, Mosarte and Pamesa.

This was the fifth time Brazilian companies participated in The Big 5 - the second with Apex’s support. As a result, Brazil’s building sector achieved $28 million in business.

According to Atlas president Geraldo Ricciardi, Dubai is the unifying bridge between eastern and western countries. He points out that The Big 5 is not strictly an Arabian fair, although one has to develop special products for the culture. He added that Brazilian marbles and granites have big possibilities in that area.

Batistella’s export manager João Brito mentioned that its Supreme Rustic and Satin porcelain tile lines were received with good results.

According to Alais Coluchi, international relations from Anfacer, attendees of The Big 5 exhibition were looking for high-end products - a selection of which Brazilian companies were able to offer.