Brazilians love our pintos!

USDBC recently concluded taste tests with slow darkening pintos in Brazil as part of our new promotional activities in that market. Brazil is a net exporter of beans but our recent research has revealed that Brazilian importers are seeking to buy U.S. dry beans to ensure market stability during times of seasonal supply challenges. The bean variety best suited to substitute for their most widely consumed class of bean, the Carioca, is the U.S. pinto. Central Valley Co-Op provided samples of the new slow darkening Vibrant pinto variety for consumer testing.

Out of the 275 people who were interviewed at the restaurant test site, 88% approved Pinto beans with scores of 8 to 10. Of those, 41% gave the Pinto beans the maximum grade (10). Only 12% gave a grade of 7 or below (which is great considering Brazilians are very picky about their beans). We were told 50% of the people noticed the difference between their normal beans (carioca) and the U.S. Pintos served on that day at the restaurant. However, many indicated that the Pinto beans were better because they were bigger, softer or tasted better. No negative visual difference was reported by consumers with the cooked product.

Most importantly, lab tests run by our research firm, showed that Pinto beans have 27% more fiber and fewer calories than carioca beans. Pinto beans also reportedly hydrated faster with more water absorption capacity (9% more than cariocas). If these numbers hold true, these are great selling points for Brazil’s expansive food service industry. We are very encouraged by these results and our market potential in Brazil. We will share the full report when available.