Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Tamboara, Paraná, Brazil, Podium Amidos Modificados (operating as Podium Alimentos) is a pioneering manufacturer of modified starches and cassava-based ingredients for a wide variety of food applications. With over three decades of expertise and innovation in food technology, the company has earned a strong reputation in Brazil and international markets for delivering high-performance, clean-label starch solutions tailored to modern food industry needs. ## Core Business and Offerings Podium Alimentos specializes in the research, development, and manufacture of modified starches and premixes derived primarily from cassava. Their product portfolio addresses multiple food categories, offering superior texture, stability, and clean-label benefits. ### Key Product Segments: - Modified Starches - Developed for use in cheese breads (Pão de Queijo), chipas, biscuits, gluten-free pancakes, sauces, frozen ready meals, dairy products like yogurts and requeijão, and plant-based alternatives. - Specialty Premixes - Ready-to-use ingredient blends optimized for specific applications such as: - Gluten-free bakery - Plant-based meat and dairy analogues - Frozen foods and sauces - Cassava Fiber and Dehydrated Cassava - Natural, non-GMO, and gluten-free fibers for food enrichment and texture enhancement. - Custom Product Development - Co-creation with clients for tailored starch functionality in industrial or artisanal food production. ## Specialization and Unique Strengths Podium Alimentos' distinct market positioning lies in its: - Cassava-Centric Innovation: One of the first Brazilian companies to develop modified starches from cassava in 1995. - Clean Label Focus: All products are gluten-free and derived from non-GMO raw materials. - Agro-Industrial Integration: Strategic sourcing from regional cassava farmers ensures traceability and rural economic development. - Technical Support: Dedicated sales engineers and food technologists assist clients with formulation optimization and troubleshooting. ## Financials and Export Activity While the company is privately held and does not publish audited financials, export intelligence and trade fair participation indicate an expanding global footprint: - Podium Alimentos has participated in international events such as Fi South America, NIS Summit, and APAS Show, showcasing its readiness for international standards and client engagement. - According to ImportYeti and Brazilian customs data, Podium exports its modified starches and blends to Latin America, North America, and select European countries. - In 2023, the company reported a 20% growth in export volume, driven by rising demand for gluten-free and plant-based ingredients globally. ## Target Markets Podium’s ingredients are targeted at: - Food Manufacturers - Specializing in gluten-free bakery, frozen meals, dairy, and sauces. - Plant-Based Food Producers - Utilizing starches for gelling, emulsifying, and clean-label structure. - Retail Brands - Seeking ready-to-market mixes and health-forward ingredients. - Export Distributors - Looking for stable, scalable, and regulatory-compliant starch solutions. ## Capabilities and Infrastructure Podium Alimentos operates a modern production unit in Tamboara, equipped with: - Automated production lines with high output capacity and precision control. - In-house laboratory facilities for quality control, application testing, and customer co-creation. - R&D team with food engineers and product formulators focused on starch innovation. - Sustainable manufacturing practices, including effluent biogas generation and water reuse systems. The company also maintains a subsidiary in Laje, enabling expanded production and logistics capability for the Brazilian domestic and MERCOSUR markets. ## Certifications and Compliance Podium Alimentos adheres to strict quality and safety standards required in international food markets. Its certifications include: - FSSC 22000 – Food Safety System Certification for global regulatory compliance. - Halal Certification - Kosher Certification - Non-GMO Status - Gluten-Free Certified Production - Compliant with ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) and Mercosur regulations. These certifications enable the company to supply to diverse dietary and religious food segments across borders. ## Testimonials and Industry Recognition Podium Alimentos has gained the trust of industrial and artisanal food processors across Brazil and neighboring countries. Feedback from food technologists often highlights: > “Podium’s starches significantly improved our frozen cheese bread’s texture and shelf-life without compromising clean label standards.” > — R&D Manager, Brazilian Frozen Foods Brand The company’s leadership in cassava innovation has been featured in Brazilian media, including a sustainability case study by Rede Globo, highlighting their transition to biogas energy from production waste and commitment to regional economic empowerment. ## Major Achievements - Developed the first modified cassava starch in Brazil (1995) with wide-scale industrial adoption. - Served over 1,500 industrial clients across Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile. - Recognized as a sustainability leader through its Podium Legal program, integrating clean energy and local sourcing. - Achieved consistent year-on-year growth in international sales and launched new application-specific starch solutions in 2024. Podium Amidos Modificados continues to blend tradition with innovation—leading Brazil’s cassava transformation industry with quality, sustainability, and performance at its core.