Company Overview
Founded in 1969 by 18 visionary leaders, Aurora Coop (Cooperativa Central Aurora Alimentos) has evolved into one of Brazil's largest and most respected food cooperatives. Headquartered in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, the cooperative unites over 100,000 families, including employees, rural entrepreneurs, and affiliated cooperatives. With a diversified portfolio exceeding 850 products, Aurora Coop operates across the pork, poultry, dairy, pasta, vegetable, and animal nutrition supplement sectors.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Aurora Coop's operations encompass the industrialization and commercialization of:
- Meat Products: Frozen chicken (whole, drumsticks, wings, feet), pork cuts, beef cuts.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt.
- Processed Foods: Ready-to-eat meals, sausages, ham, bacon.
- Others: Pasta, vegetables, animal nutrition supplements.
The cooperative's brands include Aurora, Aurora Premium, Aurora Bem Leve, Nobre, Peperi, and Alegra.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Aurora Coop's USP lies in its cooperative model that integrates the entire production chain, from rural producers to industrial processing and distribution. This model ensures:
- Quality Control: Rigorous standards maintained throughout the production process.
- Sustainability: Commitment to environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
- Innovation: Continuous investment in modernizing facilities and processes.
The cooperative's participative management approach fosters a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement.
Financial Performance
In 2024, Aurora Coop achieved:
- Gross Operating Revenue: R$24.9 billion, a 14.2% increase from 2023.
- Net Revenue: R$22.8 billion, up 13.5% year-over-year.
- Surpluses: R$880.5 million, representing 3.9% of net revenue.
This financial growth was driven by increased export demand and strategic investments in production capacity.
International Shipments and Export Markets
Aurora Coop exports to over 80 countries across all continents. In 2024:
- Export Revenue: R$9.1 billion, a 23.7% increase from the previous year.
- Export Share: 36.4% of total revenue.
- Key Markets:
- Poultry: Japan, Middle Eastern countries.
- Pork: China, Japan, United States, Canada, Mexico, Philippines.
The cooperative's strategic expansion includes establishing a commercial unit in Shanghai, China, to further penetrate the Asian market.
Target Market
Aurora Coop serves a diverse customer base, including:
- Domestic Consumers: Offering a wide range of food products across Brazil.
- International Clients: Supplying high-quality meat and dairy products to global markets.
- Foodservice Industry: Catering to restaurants, hotels, and institutional clients.
- Retail Chains: Partnering with supermarkets and grocery stores for product distribution.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
Aurora Coop's operational capabilities include:
- Industrial Units: 17 facilities dedicated to food production.
- Workforce: Over 40,000 employees across various units.
- Production Capacity: Recent investments have expanded processing capabilities, including a new plant in Chapecó with a capacity of 6,000 tonnes per month.
- Technological Advancements: Implementation of automation and robotics in processing lines to enhance efficiency and product quality.
Certifications and Compliance
Aurora Coop maintains a robust quality management system, holding certifications such as:
- ISO 9001: Quality management systems.
- HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points.
- Halal: Compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
- Federal Inspection Type Certification (TIF): Ensuring sanitary and high-quality standards.
The cooperative's commitment to animal welfare is evidenced by adherence to protocols from the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and NSF International standards, impacting over 350 million animals annually.
Major Achievements
- Market Penetration: Aurora is the 10th most present brand in Brazilian households, with a 77% penetration rate.
- Expansion Projects: Investments totaling R$1 billion to expand production capacity, including the modernization of facilities in São Gabriel do Oeste and Tapejara.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Implementation of programs focused on environmental preservation, social responsibility, and economic development.
Conclusion
Aurora Coop's integrated cooperative model, commitment to quality, and strategic investments position it as a leader in the global food industry. Its expansive product portfolio, adherence to international standards, and focus on sustainability make it a trusted partner for clients worldwide.
