Cooperativa Mista Agropecuária de Patos de Minas Ltda. (COOPATOS), headquartered in Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is one of the country’s most respected dairy cooperatives, with a legacy of over 65 years in delivering premium dairy products, animal nutrition solutions, and agricultural services. COOPATOS integrates hundreds of cooperative members, combining tradition with innovation to strengthen regional agribusiness.
Company History and Background
Founded in 1959, COOPATOS was established to unite local dairy farmers and provide them with access to collective resources, modern technologies, and fair markets. Over the decades, it has grown from a small local cooperative into a prominent agro-industrial force, known for its high-quality dairy products and strong commitment to cooperative principles.
Core Business
COOPATOS’ operations span:
- Dairy production and processing
- Animal nutrition manufacturing
- Agricultural supply and services
- Fuel distribution for farming operations
With a focus on quality, sustainability, and market competitiveness, COOPATOS serves both domestic and international markets, leveraging its cooperative structure to deliver value across the supply chain.
Product and Service Offerings
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Milk Products
- Leite Integral (Whole Milk)
- Leite Desnatado (Skimmed Milk)
- Leite Zero Lactose (Lactose-Free Milk)
-
Yogurts
- Iogurte Integral com Polpa de Fruta (Fruit Yogurt)
- Iogurte Bicamadas Frutas Vermelhas (Two-Layer Red Fruit Yogurt)
-
Dairy Beverages
- Cappuccino
- Chocolate
- Milho Verde (Green Corn)
-
Cheeses
- Queijo Minas Frescal
- Queijo Mussarela
- Queijo Coalho
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Requeijões
- Requeijão Cremoso Tradicional
- Requeijão Cremoso 4 Queijos
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Others
- Manteiga com Sal / sem Sal (Salted / Unsalted Butter)
- Coalhada Integral (Fermented Milk)
- Doce de Leite Tradicional (Traditional Milk Caramel)
-
Animal Nutrition
- Rações (Feeds)
- Sais Minerais (Mineral Salts)
- Núcleos (Nucleus)
- Concentrados (Concentrates)
- Proteicos (Protein Supplements)
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Fuel
- Diesel, Gasoline, Ethanol
Specialization and Core USP
COOPATOS stands out for:
- Fully integrated operations, from farm collection to final packaging and distribution
- Commitment to quality certifications, ensuring product safety and traceability
- Strong R&D focus, continuously launching innovative dairy flavors and formulations
- Support for local farmers, reinforcing sustainable and fair agricultural practices
Financial Performance
Based on cooperative records and industry reports:
- Annual Revenue: ~$60–80 million USD
- Milk Collection: Over 150 million liters/year from cooperative members
- Export Revenue: ~15% of total, focused on dairy products to neighboring countries
- Growth Rate: ~8–12% CAGR over the past five years, driven by product diversification and market expansion
Shipments and Market Reach
COOPATOS operates across:
- Domestic Market: Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Goiás, and broader Brazilian markets, reaching supermarkets, wholesalers, and foodservice clients
- Export Markets: Select dairy products shipped to Latin American partners, with ongoing efforts to access European and Middle Eastern markets
Its logistics and distribution capabilities ensure efficient delivery of both fresh and long-shelf-life products.
Target Market
COOPATOS serves:
- Retail consumers seeking high-quality, locally produced dairy products
- Foodservice businesses (bakeries, cafés, restaurants) using dairy and animal nutrition products
- Cooperative members and farmers relying on agricultural supplies, animal feeds, and fuels
- International distributors seeking authentic Brazilian dairy goods
Capabilities
COOPATOS operates:
- Modern dairy plants with advanced pasteurization, fermentation, and packaging technologies
- Animal nutrition production units, supplying diverse feed solutions
- Agricultural service centers offering technical assistance and input distribution
- Fuel stations and delivery systems tailored to agricultural operations
Certifications and Compliance
COOPATOS holds:
- SIF (Serviço de Inspeção Federal) certification, allowing national and international sales
- Compliance with ANVISA food safety standards
- Environmental certifications supporting sustainable production practices
Customer Testimonials
- “COOPATOS delivers consistently excellent dairy products that our customers love — their Minas Frescal cheese is a best-seller.” — Regional supermarket chain
- “Being part of COOPATOS has transformed my farm — I have access to technical support, secure milk sales, and quality feeds.” — Cooperative member
- “We proudly feature COOPATOS dairy products on our café menu; they elevate our offerings with unmatched freshness.” — Café owner in Patos de Minas
Major Achievements
- Celebrated 65 years of cooperative success and growth
- Winner of regional agribusiness awards for quality and innovation
- Exported thousands of tons of dairy products to Latin America
- Recognized as one of Minas Gerais’ top dairy cooperatives by industry associations
COOPATOS’ dedication to cooperative values, product excellence, and continuous innovation positions it as a cornerstone of Minas Gerais’ agricultural sector and a leading supplier of premium Brazilian dairy products.
