A cadeia de suprimentos do cacau

Summary

Cacao, a native Amazonian fruit, is a key Brazilian resource that drives economic, social, and environmental development. Mainly cultivated in regions like Pará, Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Rondônia, cacao supports around 300,000 jobs. The industry has faced challenges, including a gap between cacao production and processing capacity, leading to imports to meet demand. Despite past declines, Brazil has the potential to become a leading global cacao producer again. Initiatives like the Cacau 2030 project aim to strengthen the industry, promote sustainable practices, and boost Brazil's cacao production to meet both domestic and international needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cacao is a native Amazonian fruit that is a significant economic, social, and environmental asset for Brazil.
• 😀 Cacao production in Brazil is mainly concentrated in Pará, Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Rondônia.
• 😀 The cacao supply chain generates around 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and has a gross production value of 18 billion Brazilian Reais.
• 😀 Brazil has 620,000 hectares of cacao plantations, cultivated by approximately 93,000 producers.
• 😀 Cacao is often cultivated alongside products like cupuaçu, banana, and native forest, using agroforestry systems that help restore degraded areas and promote sustainable agriculture.
• 😀 Cacao beans can be sold through cooperatives, buying centers, or directly to processing companies, and producers can also process their beans and sell derivatives to the food industry.
• 😀 Brazil has three major cacao processors associated with the IBC, responsible for grinding about 95% of the country's cacao beans.
• 😀 The cacao beans are processed into cocoa mass, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter, which are used to make products like chocolate, biscuits, dairy drinks, and cosmetics.
• 😀 There is a significant gap between cacao production and the amount processed, leading to a shortfall of around 52,000 tons annually, requiring imports to fill the gap.
• 😀 Brazil was once one of the world's largest cacao producers, but due to a crisis, it now ranks between the sixth and seventh position, although it still has potential to recover and meet domestic demand while re-entering the export market.

Q & A

What is the significance of cacao in Brazil's economy?

Cacao is a native Amazonian fruit that is a key part of Brazil's economy, generating economic, social, and environmental development. The cacao supply chain provides approximately 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes a gross production value of 18 billion reais.

Which regions in Brazil are known for cacao production?

Cacao production primarily occurs in the states of Pará, Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Rondônia.

What is the total area of cacao plantations in Brazil?

Brazil has 620,000 hectares of cacao plantations.

How does cacao production in Brazil contribute to environmental sustainability?

Cacao is often grown in agroforestry systems, which involve planting alongside native forest products such as cupuaçu and banana. This approach helps in the recovery of degraded lands and promotes more sustainable agricultural practices in harmony with nature.

How are cacao beans marketed in Brazil?

Cacao beans are marketed through cooperatives, central purchasing agencies, or directly to processors. Producers can also process their own beans and sell the products directly to food industries.

What are the main cacao processors in Brazil?

Brazil has three major cacao processors that are members of the IBC, responsible for grinding about 95% of Brazilian cacao beans.

What products are made from cacao beans in Brazil?

Cacao beans are processed into cocoa mass, cocoa liquor, and cocoa butter, which are used in the production of chocolates, cookies, dairy beverages, and even cosmetics.

What challenge does the cacao industry face in Brazil?

A significant challenge is the gap between the national production and the processing capacity. Over the last five years, the average cacao reception has been lower than the processing capacity, leading to the need for cacao imports to fill the gap.

How does cacao importation affect Brazil's cacao industry?

When national cacao production is insufficient, Brazilian industries rely on imports to maintain operations. This affects the local market but ensures that the industry remains sustainable and continues to generate jobs, investments, and income.

What is Brazil's position in the global cacao production market?

Brazil was once one of the largest cacao producers globally, with annual production of 400,000 tons. However, due to economic crises, it now ranks between the sixth and seventh largest producer. The country still has the potential to increase production and reclaim a top position in the global market.

What initiatives are being taken to improve cacao production in Brazil?

Initiatives like the Cacau 2030 project, coordinated by Cocôa Action Brazil and supported by chocolate industries, aim to strengthen the cacao sector. These initiatives focus on providing credit access, technical assistance, organizing the cacao chain, and improving the quality of cacao beans.