Cooperativa Agropecuária de Produção e Comercialização Vida Natural – Coopernatural, based in Picada Café, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, is a pioneering organic food cooperative recognized for its commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and fair trade. With a diverse portfolio of organic products, Coopernatural has become a trusted supplier for domestic and international markets, serving health-conscious consumers and businesses seeking premium organic ingredients.
Company History and Background
Founded in the early 2000s, Coopernatural was established by a group of small-scale farmers united by the goal of producing high-quality organic foods while protecting local ecosystems and fostering rural development. Over the years, the cooperative has grown significantly, incorporating new product lines, expanding its member base, and establishing itself as a reference point for organic production in Brazil.
Core Business
Coopernatural’s core activities include:
- Production and commercialization of certified organic grains, oils, beverages, and processed foods
- Cooperative management and support for small farmers practicing organic agriculture
- Development of sustainable and ethical supply chains
The cooperative manages all stages from cultivation to packaging, ensuring traceability and quality compliance.
Product and Service Offerings
-
Grains and Flours
- Arroz Integral (Brown Rice)
- Feijão Vermelho (Red Beans)
- Farinha de Milho / Fubá (Cornmeal)
- Amaranto em Flocos (Amaranth Flakes)
-
Juices and Beverages
- Suco de Uva Orgânico (Organic Grape Juice)
- Cerveja Artesanal Orgânica (Organic Craft Beer, including Saison Goiaba and Pale Ale Cacau)
-
Jams and Sweets
- Geleia de Figo (Fig Jam)
- Geleia de Abóbora com Coco (Pumpkin & Coconut Jam)
- Doce de Leite Orgânico (Organic Milk Caramel)
-
Oils and Sauces
- Óleo de Soja Orgânico (Organic Soy Oil)
- Molho de Tomate Orgânico (Organic Tomato Sauce)
-
Teas and Infusions
- Chá de Hortelã (Mint Tea)
- Chá de Camomila (Chamomile Tea)
Specialization and Core USP
Coopernatural’s unique value proposition lies in:
- Certified organic production, free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
- Fair trade practices that guarantee fair wages and equitable participation for cooperative members
- Biodiversity preservation, supporting local varieties and sustainable farming methods
- Traceable, small-batch production, offering transparency and authenticity to consumers
Financial Performance
Based on cooperative data and sector estimates:
- Annual Revenue: ~$3–5 million USD
- Member Network: Over 80 smallholder families
- Annual Production Volume: Approximately 500–700 metric tons of organic products
- Export Share: ~25%, with growing demand from Europe and North America
- Yearly Growth Rate: ~15% CAGR over the past five years, fueled by rising domestic and export demand for organic foods
Shipments and Market Reach
Coopernatural’s market scope includes:
- Domestic Market: Health food stores, organic markets, and specialty retailers across Brazil
- International Export: Organic grains, oils, and processed products shipped to Europe, Canada, and the United States
- Distribution Channels: Wholesale, direct-to-retail, and online partnerships with organic food platforms
Target Market
Coopernatural’s target segments are:
- Health-conscious consumers seeking organic and natural foods
- Retailers and specialty stores stocking premium organic products
- Foodservice companies and restaurants focusing on organic menus
- International distributors seeking certified organic products from Brazil
Capabilities
Coopernatural’s operational strengths include:
- Certified organic farming practices, with compliance to Brazil’s organic standards and international certifications
- Processing and packaging facilities designed for organic product handling
- Supply chain management, ensuring consistent quality from field to shelf
- Collaborative R&D for developing new organic formulations and products
Certifications and Compliance
Coopernatural holds:
- IBD Organic Certification (Brazil)
- EU Organic Certification
- NOP (USDA Organic) Certification
- Fair Trade Certification
These credentials allow Coopernatural to meet the strictest international standards, opening doors to premium markets worldwide.
Customer Testimonials
- “Coopernatural’s organic products have transformed our store’s organic section — their jams and oils are customer favorites.” — São Paulo organic store manager
- “As a chef, I trust Coopernatural for authentic, high-quality ingredients that align with our sustainability values.” — Executive chef, organic restaurant
- “Working with Coopernatural has been a win-win; they deliver exceptional quality while supporting ethical sourcing.” — European organic food distributor
Major Achievements
- Recognized as one of Brazil’s top organic cooperatives by national agribusiness associations
- Featured in international trade events, including Biofach Germany and Natural Products Expo West USA
- Expanded product exports by over 50% in the last three years
- Honored for sustainability initiatives in local biodiversity preservation and rural community empowerment
Coopernatural’s steadfast commitment to organic excellence, fair trade, and sustainability positions it as a trailblazer in Brazil’s organic sector, with strong prospects for continued national and international growth.
