The order helped the company grow its revenue by 10 percent last year to $8 million, about $5 million of which came from overseas markets.

"The demand from emerging markets in South America is increasing gradually but holds large potential," Wang said, adding that Brazil accounts for one-quarter of the company's toy business.

The companies have gained more than orders.

Air-conditioning executive Xiao said: "It helps a lot to lift the awareness of our brand overseas by participating in a world-class event. Cold Magic was invited by the organizing committee of Brazil World Cup partly because we were a supplier for the London Olympic Games."

Having built a presence in Europe, Australia and the United States, the company is further exploring the Brazilian market, he said.

In global commodity logistics, Sean of Dongguan Wagon saw the most challenging aspect as the availability of accurate sales data in various markets so the company can accurately adjust its inventory and production capacity.

To enable traditional manufacturing companies to access the consumer market or to expand into emerging markets, it is important for a company to have sound planning and preparation, Sean said.

If a company lacks a clear goal, it wastes resources, and the company can easily be driven out of the market, he said.

Trade between Guangdong and Brazil accounted for more than 10 percent of Sino-Brazilian imports and exports and totaled $9.1 billion in 2012, according to official statistics.

He Baoqi contributed to this story.