A Marathon Runner with a Mission

Political scientist Anna Paula Losi is not just a marathon runner in the literal sense, participating in races from France to the São Silvestre in São Paulo. Currently, her most challenging race is the race against time to push for the implementation of policies that could transform the cocoa production landscape, particularly in Brazil.

Leading the Charge for Cocoa Processing in Brazil

As the current CEO of the National Association of Cocoa Processing Industries (AIPC), headquartered in Brasília, Anna Paula made history in 2020 as the first woman to hold the position. The AIPC, founded in 2004, unites the three largest multinational cocoa milling companies operating in Brazil—Cargill (USA), Barry Callebaut (Switzerland), and OFI (UK)—alongside the local Brazilian Cocoa Industry (IBC). Together, these companies process 95% of Brazil’s cocoa production.

Brazil’s Untapped Cocoa Potential

Brazil currently produces around 200,000 tons of cocoa beans per year, but with the right strategies, it has the potential to double that to 400,000 tons. Cocoa prices have been skyrocketing, with a record high of $11,000 per ton earlier this year. Although prices have since declined slightly, there is no indication that they will drop significantly due to the global shortage of cocoa. On September 30, cocoa contracts for December on the New York Stock Exchange closed at $7,722 per ton.

Brazil’s Role on the Global Stage

Anna Paula is confident about Brazil’s potential to play a pivotal role in the international cocoa market. She emphasizes that with government support, international investment, and a strategic plan, Brazil could not only achieve self-sufficiency in cocoa production but also become a competitive exporter.

Addressing the Cocoa Crisis

When asked about the main goals of the companies she represents, Anna Paula was clear: despite their individual interests, the multinationals share the common goal of making Brazil self-sufficient in cocoa production. The country currently relies heavily on cocoa imports, and the situation is reaching a critical point. Without swift action, the risk of factory shutdowns due to a lack of raw materials looms large, making it crucial to change the production landscape this year.

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