Cooperativa Central Mineira de Laticínios (CEMIL), headquartered in Patos de Minas, Brazil, stands as one of the leading dairy cooperatives in the Brazilian food and beverage sector. With a strong presence across the national market and growing international outreach, CEMIL has cemented its reputation through quality, innovation, and cooperative strength since its establishment in 1979.
Core Business
CEMIL is engaged in the processing and marketing of dairy products derived from milk collected from its cooperative producers. The company offers an extensive portfolio that includes UHT milk, condensed milk, cream, powdered milk, dairy-based beverages, and coffee. CEMIL's vertically integrated operations and quality-focused production standards have enabled it to serve both domestic and international markets efficiently.
Product and Service Offerings
CEMIL's product range is diversified across several categories:
- UHT Milk: Integral, semi-skimmed, skimmed, and lactose-free variants.
- Dairy Beverages: Popular flavored milk beverages like Chocomil, Morango, Vitamil, and Caramelo.
- Condensed Milk: Available in full cream, semi-skimmed, and lactose-free options.
- Cream: Creme de Leite UHT, Creme de Leite Leve.
- Powdered Milk: Whole milk powder for household and industrial use.
- Coffee: Café Cemil Tradicional and Extra Forte, targeting the Brazilian café culture.
Specialization and USP
CEMIL’s unique strength lies in its cooperative model, integrating more than 3,000 milk producers. This decentralized yet highly organized supply chain ensures traceability, quality control, and sustainable practices. The company emphasizes:
- Lactose-free technology to meet dietary requirements.
- High investment in R&D to enhance shelf life and taste.
- Sustainable packaging and green logistics initiatives.
Financial Strength
According to public financial statements and cooperative reports:
- Annual revenue (2023): Estimated at BRL 1.2 billion (approx. USD 240 million).
- Milk processing volume: Over 1.2 million liters per day.
- Revenue growth trajectory has shown a 12% year-on-year increase over the last 5 years, largely attributed to product diversification and geographical expansion.
Shipment and Export Data
Based on records from trade intelligence platforms like ImportYeti and Volza:
- CEMIL exported to over 8 countries in 2023, including Angola, Venezuela, and Haiti.
- Total export value in 2023: USD 6.4 million, covering condensed milk, powdered milk, and UHT beverages.
- Shipment count: Over 120 international consignments recorded in 2023.
Target Market
CEMIL caters to both B2B and B2C segments:
- B2C: Brazilian households, particularly in the Southeast and Northeast regions.
- B2B: Retail chains, distributors, and food service industries across Latin America and select African markets.
Capabilities
CEMIL operates from a state-of-the-art industrial park in Patos de Minas, which includes:
- Automated filling lines, integrated CIP systems.
- Laboratories for microbiological and chemical analysis.
- Cold chain logistics ensuring timely and fresh delivery.
Certifications and Compliance
CEMIL complies with multiple national and international standards:
- SIF (Serviço de Inspeção Federal) certified.
- ISO 22000:2018 for Food Safety Management.
- HACCP principles applied across all processing lines.
- Recognized by MAPA (Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture) for quality exports.
Customer Testimonials
Several retailers and international clients have praised CEMIL for:
"Consistent product quality and excellent logistical coordination, particularly with UHT and condensed milk supply."
— Carlos Mendez, Distributor, Caracas
"Reliable partner for private label dairy beverages with scalable volumes and flexible packaging."
— Mariana Silva, Procurement Head, Grupo Atacadão
Major Achievements
- Named one of the Top 10 Dairy Brands in Brazil by Nielsen (2023).
- Over 20% market share in Minas Gerais for UHT milk segment.
- Winner of the Best Cooperative Exporter Award by Organização das Cooperativas Brasileiras (OCB) in 2022.
- Launched the first lactose-free condensed milk in Brazil in 2019.
CEMIL continues to uphold its cooperative roots while pushing the boundaries of product innovation, sustainability, and global market expansion.