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Internationalization is a strategic process that can transform a company’s life, allowing it to access new markets, diversify its revenue sources, and strengthen its brand globally. To determine if your company fits into internationalization, expanding operations beyond national borders enables businesses not only to increase sales but also to protect themselves against local economic risks. This article explores how internationalization positively impacted 10 major Brazilian companies, detailing their stories and the results achieved.
Vale, one of the largest mining companies in the world, began its internationalization in 2006 by entering the Canadian market. Since then, it has expanded its operations to 27 countries and is now a global reference in the sector. Geographic diversification allowed Vale to increase its production by 50% and reduce risks associated with fluctuations in the domestic market. In 2020, about 45% of its revenues came from abroad, consolidating its position as a leader in foreign assets.
Founded in 1941, Tigre started its internationalization in 1971 in Paraguay. Currently present in over 25 countries, the company has become the 20th most internationalized in Brazil. With more than 10 factories outside the country, Tigre managed to increase its production capacity by 30% and better meet global demand for PVC products. In 2021, Tigre reported a 15% growth in international sales.
Gerdau Group, a Brazilian steel giant, began its international operations in 1980 in Uruguay. Today, it operates in 19 countries and obtains about 55% of its revenues from external markets. Internationalization allowed Gerdau to diversify its products and expand its presence in strategic markets such as the United States and Argentina. In 2020, the company recorded a 20% increase in revenue from international operations.
Alpargatas, known for the Havaianas brand, started its internationalization process in 2007 in Argentina. It now also operates in the United States, Spain, France, England, and Italy. This expansion helped Alpargatas increase its global visibility and strengthen its brand as a leader in the footwear segment. In 2021, international sales represented about 30% of the company’s total revenue.
Camil Alimentos began its international journey in 2007 with the acquisition of Uruguayan company Saman and expanded into Chile in 2009 with the purchase of Tucapel. Today, it is present in over 50 countries and has plants in Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. This strategy not only increased its product portfolio but also diversified its revenue sources; international sales grew by 25% between 2020 and 2021.
Embraer, a Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, started its internationalization in the early 2000s by opening subsidiaries in the United States and Europe. With this strategy, the company significantly increased its international sales; currently, about 70% of revenues come from abroad. In 2021, Embraer secured important contracts with airlines in Europe and Asia.
Natura began its international expansion by entering the French market in 2010. Since then, it has focused on Europe and Latin America. The company not only increased its sales—growing about 20% annually in international operations—but also strengthened its image as a globally recognized sustainable brand.
O Boticário started its internationalization by opening stores in Argentina in 2013. Since then, it has expanded into other Latin American countries and is now present in over 10 international markets. This expansion helped increase sales by over 30%, consolidating the brand as an icon of Brazilian beauty.
GPA began its internationalization with acquisitions in Argentina during the ’90s. Although it faced initial challenges, the group managed to adapt its operations and expand its presence across Latin America, increasing competitiveness in the retail sector; international revenues grew about 15% during operational years.
Hering started its internationalization process by opening stores in Argentina and Paraguay during the early 2000s. With a strategy focused on adapting products to local preferences, the brand significantly increased its international sales; during operational years outside Brazil, sales grew approximately by 25%.These examples demonstrate that internationalization can be an effective pathway for growth and business success. Through geographic diversification and adaptation to local demands, these companies have managed not only to increase their revenues but also to strengthen their brands globally.
In 2007, the organization was already expanding its operations to markets beyond Brazil and was looking to enter a new market: cutting machines. This was a significant concern for the company. Additionally, they wanted to determine the ideal location for producing the new equipment. They approached us at Grupo V&F, and together with Fundação CERTI, we developed a project that assessed the viability of the operation while also indicating the best production strategy and location for the equipment. Grupo V&F conducted a global market study involving all major continents to identify how the cutting machine market operates. Check out the full video here.
The experiences of these companies highlight that internationalization is not merely an option; it is a strategic necessity for those who wish to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. With appropriate support and careful planning, any company can reap the benefits of this transformative strategy. If you are considering expanding your business abroad, now is the ideal time to explore the opportunities that internationalization offers!
