Expo Supermercados is one of Brazil’s premier B2B trade fairs focused exclusively on the supermarket and grocery retail sector. Headquartered in São Paulo, the event serves as a vital platform for connecting supermarket operators, suppliers, technology providers, and service professionals through annual exhibitions, technical workshops, and curated networking opportunities. The fair is organized by CTDE – Centro de Treinamento e Desenvolvimento Empresarial, under the leadership of Fabiano Polese.
Company History and Background
Established over two decades ago, Expo Supermercados has become a flagship event in the Brazilian retail and supermarket industry. It was conceived to meet the evolving needs of neighborhood supermarket operators, providing them with practical tools, innovations, and strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly digitizing market. The event is known for fostering deep sector-specific learning and showcasing operational excellence through its “Supermercado Modelo” concept.
Core Business and Offerings
Expo Supermercados provides a multifaceted range of programs and services designed for supermarket professionals and vendors:
-
Annual Trade Show:
- Held in São Paulo, attracting over 5,000 visitors annually
- Features 100+ exhibitors including food manufacturers, POS tech companies, logistics firms, and equipment suppliers
-
Workshops and Demonstrations:
- Açougue de Primeira (Butchery Best Practices)
- Padaria Modelo (Model Bakery Setup)
- Live demos on layout optimization, equipment handling, and hygiene protocols
-
Congress and Seminars:
- Congresso Nacional para Supermercados de Bairro
- Sessions on pricing strategies, omnichannel retail, digital transformation, and ESG
-
Technical Visits:
- Organized visits to leading supermarkets for benchmarking and operational insights
-
Supermercado Modelo:
- On-site full-scale mock-up of an optimized supermarket layout
- Integrates latest innovations in design, lighting, technology, and shopper experience
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Expo Supermercados is distinct in its:
- Focus on Independent and Regional Supermarkets: Tailors content and vendor solutions specifically for small to mid-sized operators
- Hands-On Learning Format: Emphasizes experiential knowledge through live installations and real-case simulations
- Strong Industry Relationships: Trusted by top supermarket cooperatives and retail associations across Brazil
- Regional Outreach: Organizes parallel regional events to decentralize access to innovations and training
Financial and Operational Insights
- Annual Event Budget (Est.): BRL 3–4 million
- Exhibitor Retention Rate: Over 70% annually
- Visitor Growth Rate: Approx. 10% YoY (pre-pandemic to 2024)
- Revenue Streams: Booth sales, sponsorship packages, branded workshop slots, technical visit registration
With a well-managed operations team and scalable infrastructure, Expo Supermercados continues to enhance its national footprint and industry relevance.
Export and International Linkages
While the event itself is Brazil-centric, Expo Supermercados has established partnerships with international suppliers and attracts global tech companies, particularly from Latin America and Southern Europe.
- International Exhibitors: Categories include point-of-sale technology, refrigeration systems, and imported food brands
- Collaborations: Works with trade missions and chambers of commerce to facilitate foreign vendor access
Target Market
- Primary Audience: Owners, buyers, and managers of neighborhood supermarkets and mini-markets
- Secondary Audience: Technology vendors, packaging companies, equipment manufacturers, and industry consultants
- Tertiary Audience: Food and beverage brands seeking distribution in the Brazilian retail ecosystem
Capabilities
- Event Infrastructure: Modular booths, large-scale demonstration areas, and simultaneous conference rooms
- Digital Tools: Online registration, matchmaking platform for B2B leads, and digital brochures
- Media Reach: Strong social media presence, e-newsletters, and live streaming of major sessions
Certifications and Compliance
- Sanitary Protocol Compliance: Events follow ANVISA and local municipality guidelines
- Fire and Structural Certifications: As required by event venue standards in São Paulo
- Data Privacy Compliance: Adheres to LGPD (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados) in all digital interactions
Customer Testimonials and Market Perception
The fair has garnered praise from industry professionals for its practicality and direct relevance:
“Expo Supermercados is where you go not just to see products but to understand how to sell better. It’s operational education at its best.” – Regional Retail Chain Owner, Rio Grande do Sul
Regular attendees commend the clarity and usefulness of workshops, and exhibitors highlight the high-quality leads and networking potential.
Major Achievements
- Introduction of Supermercado Modelo: First Brazilian trade show to integrate a real-scale supermarket experience
- Cross-State Expansion: Hosted satellite events in multiple Brazilian regions including Porto Alegre and Campinas
- Strategic Alliances: With ABRAS (Associação Brasileira de Supermercados) and regional supermarket cooperatives
- Digital Transition Success: Rolled out hybrid formats with strong virtual participation during pandemic years
Expo Supermercados remains the definitive platform for transforming retail knowledge into operational advantage, uniquely combining education, innovation, and industry connection for Brazil’s thriving supermarket sector.
