On May 26, Zakaria Benzaama, founding partner and Chief Operating Officer of Ftrade Brasil Group, joined journalist Ricardo Bezerra on the Conexões program, aired on Rádio Jovem Pan News Fortaleza, to discuss the group's development in Brazil's fruit export industry and its business journey.
Benzaama, born in France to a Brazilian mother from Ceará, moved to Brazil as a child. Although he initially aspired to be a marine biologist, he shifted toward a career in international trade. His early experience came through working with his uncle's transportation company. Later, he co-founded Ftrade with his business partner Bruno, focusing on perishable goods and eventually forming what would become the Ftrade Brasil Group.
According to Benzaama, Ftrade currently manages between 64% and 68% of Brazil's fresh fruit exports. The company exports mangoes, grapes, melons, and lemons to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and also imports agricultural inputs.
The group's significant growth followed a pivotal moment when a major client went bankrupt. In response, Benzaama personally visited farms in the São Francisco Valley to build new partnerships. This hands-on approach led to an expansion of the company's customer base and long-term stability.
Ftrade Brasil Group consists of four integrated companies. Ftrade oversees customs clearance, Ftrade International manages shipping operations, Fortalog Transportes handles road logistics, and FLK Terminals provides cold storage solutions.
Today, the group has 18 offices across Brazil and international branches in Spain, the Netherlands, and China. It employs over 750 people and reported nearly R$200 million in revenue in 2024.
The Conexões program, hosted by Ricardo Bezerra, began in March 2022. Bezerra, known for his background in real estate and broadcasting in Ceará, presents interviews with business figures across various sectors. The program airs on the Jovem Pan News Fortaleza YouTube channel, with a televised summary broadcast on TV Cidade Fortaleza (channel 8.1) every Sunday.
Source: Abrafrutas
