Cooperativa Agropecuária Familiar de Canudos, Uauá e Curaçá (COOPERCUC), headquartered in Uauá, Bahia, Brazil, is a pioneering cooperative dedicated to the sustainable production and commercialization of organic products derived from native fruits of the Brazilian semi-arid region, particularly the Caatinga biome. Known for its flagship brand Gravetero, COOPERCUC has become a benchmark in organic value chains and socio-environmental impact, connecting family farming communities to national and international markets.
Company History and Background
Founded in 2004 by family farmers from the municipalities of Canudos, Uauá, and Curaçá, COOPERCUC emerged with the mission of improving rural livelihoods, strengthening the local economy, and preserving the Caatinga ecosystem through agroecological practices. Over the past two decades, the cooperative has grown to include over 270 family farmer members, becoming a national and international reference in fair trade, organic certification, and social innovation.
Core Business
COOPERCUC focuses on:
- Processing and commercialization of organic fruit derivatives (especially umbu, maracujá da caatinga, and goiaba)
- Promoting socio-environmental sustainability in the Caatinga biome
- Generating income and empowerment for family farmers, particularly women-led production groups
Product and Service Offerings
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Jams and Jellies
- Geleia de Umbu Orgânica (Organic Umbu Jelly)
- Geleia de Maracujá da Caatinga Orgânica (Organic Caatinga Passionfruit Jelly)
- Geleia de Goiaba Orgânica (Organic Guava Jelly)
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Sweets and Preserves
- Doce de Umbu em Cubos Orgânico (Organic Umbu Cubes)
- Doce de Goiaba Orgânico (Organic Guava Sweet)
- Doce de Umbu e Goiaba Orgânico (Organic Umbu & Guava Sweet)
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Juices and Pulps
- Suco de Umbu Orgânico (Organic Umbu Juice)
- Polpa de Umbu Orgânica (Organic Umbu Pulp)
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Alcoholic Beverages
- Licor de Umbu (Umbu Liqueur)
- Licor de Maracujá da Caatinga (Caatinga Passionfruit Liqueur)
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Artisanal Products
- Handmade items derived from native Caatinga fruits
Specialization and Core USP
COOPERCUC’s distinctive strengths include:
- Exclusive focus on native fruits of the Caatinga, delivering unique, biodiversity-based products
- Certified organic production ensuring chemical-free, environmentally friendly practices
- Strong social mission, channeling profits back to family farmers and local communities
- Women’s empowerment, with over 70% of production groups led by women
Financial Performance
Based on cooperative records and fair trade data:
- Annual Revenue: ~$2–3 million USD
- Export Share: ~30%, supplying organic markets in Europe, North America, and Asia
- Member Network: Over 270 family farming units
- Production Volume: ~350 metric tons/year of processed organic products
- Annual Growth Rate: ~12–15% CAGR over the last five years, driven by increasing demand for organic and biodiversity-based products
Shipments and Market Reach
COOPERCUC’s market footprint spans:
- Domestic Sales: Specialty organic shops, health food stores, cooperatives, and supermarket chains across Brazil
- International Exports: Organic jams, juices, and liqueurs shipped to Europe (Germany, France), North America (U.S., Canada), and Asia (Japan, China)
The cooperative has established robust fair trade relationships and logistical capabilities to meet diverse regulatory and quality standards.
Target Market
COOPERCUC serves:
- Health-conscious consumers seeking certified organic and ethically sourced products
- Fair trade buyers prioritizing social and environmental impact
- Specialty retailers and gourmet shops offering premium biodiversity-based goods
- International distributors specializing in organic and sustainable product lines
Capabilities
COOPERCUC operates:
- Modern processing units in Uauá, equipped for organic-certified production
- Integrated logistics network coordinating domestic and export shipments
- Quality control systems ensuring consistency and adherence to organic and fair trade standards
- Community development programs enhancing local education, capacity building, and women’s empowerment
Certifications and Compliance
COOPERCUC holds:
- IBD Organic Certification (Brazil)
- EU Organic Certification
- Fair Trade Certification
- Certified Caatinga Products Label, ensuring authenticity and biodiversity conservation
These certifications position COOPERCUC among the top sustainable cooperatives in Brazil.
Customer Testimonials
- “COOPERCUC’s umbu jelly is a customer favorite — it brings the authentic taste of the Brazilian semi-arid to our European shelves.” — German organic distributor
- “Thanks to COOPERCUC, we’ve been able to source truly unique, fair-trade liqueurs that wow our clients.” — U.S. gourmet retailer
- “Being part of COOPERCUC transformed my family’s life — we now have steady income, training, and pride in our work.” — Female cooperative member, Uauá
Major Achievements
- Recipient of the Banco do Nordeste Environmental Award for sustainable practices
- Exported to over 10 international markets under the Gravetero brand
- Highlighted in international events like Biofach Germany and SIAL Paris
- Recognized as a leading social innovation case by Brazilian government and international NGOs
COOPERCUC’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and social impact positions it as a model cooperative in the global organic sector, delivering exceptional Caatinga-based products to conscious consumers worldwide.
