The Journey of Coopermata: From Local Sales to Global Exporter

The story of a cooperative that started in Southern Bahia-Brazil and is now exporting cocoa and its derivatives to Portugal is an inspiring tale of growth, adaptation, and opportunity. This transformation began with a few determined family farmers and, over time, evolved into an international success story. But how did this happen?

The Birth of Coopermata

Founded in 2007, the cooperative was initially called Coopgeaf. At that time, farmers in Southern Bahia were facing frustrations with the low prices of guarana. In response, they united to sell directly to the industry, gaining control over their pricing and securing better value for their hard work. This effort was so successful that, by 2021, the cooperative had expanded its product offerings and rebranded itself as Coopermata, focusing primarily on cocoa production.

Supporting Farmers for a Sustainable Future

Coopermata's core mission is to uplift the 267 family farmers who make up the cooperative. According to Executive Director Josué Castro, the benefits go far beyond just selling cocoa at a fair price.

“We don’t just help farmers sell at a better price. We also assist them with essential services like accessing credit through public policy programs. Our technicians help producers organize their land and environmental documentation,” says Castro. This level of support ensures that Coopermata's members are not just surviving, but thriving in an increasingly competitive market.

How ApexBrasil Helped Open International Doors

A key turning point for Coopermata came when it partnered with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) to participate in the Export Qualification Program (Peiex). Over six months, the cooperative's leadership and farmers received invaluable training in the export process.

This training covered everything from understanding the logistics of international trade to mastering the necessary documentation for export.

“It was an incredibly helpful experience," Castro says. "When we found the opportunity to export to Portugal, we were ready. The Peiex program had prepared us for everything—from the invoices to the export codes."

First Export to Portugal: A Gateway to New Markets

Coopermata’s first export success came in 2024, when it joined forces with other cooperatives in Bahia to sell 12 tons of family-farmed cocoa products to Lisbon, Portugal. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the cooperative and opened the door for further international expansion.

Looking Ahead: Chile and Beyond

With its successful debut in Portugal, Coopermata is now setting its sights on new markets. According to Castro, a study conducted during the Peiex program identified Chile as a promising destination for future exports.

"While we’re focused on building on our success in Portugal, we also see great potential in Chile. We are excited to continue growing our export operations," Castro explains.

From humble beginnings to international success, Coopermata’s journey is a testament to the power of cooperative effort and strategic partnerships. With the continued support of initiatives like Peiex and ApexBrasil, Coopermata is poised to expand even further, bringing the rich flavors of Bahian cocoa to new markets around the world.

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