Movement calls for valorization of the food and beverage production chain | Uncab

In a country that still has millions of people suffering from food insecurity, how can we not value a sector that produces 270 million tons of food every year? With the aim of strengthening the Brazilian food and beverage industry – the largest industrial sector in the country –, the National Union of the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Production Chain (UNCAB) was launched in Brasília.

The initiative is a coalition between ABIA (Brazilian Association of the Food Industry), ABIR (Brazilian Association of the Soft Drink and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry), Abicab (Brazilian Association of the Chocolate, Peanut and Candy Industry) and Abimapi (Brazilian Association of Pasta and Industrialized Bread & Cake Industry).

The movement aims to enhance the entire food and beverage chain, contributing to a diverse, safe and balanced diet, intrinsically linked to national identity.

“The food and beverage industry has undeniable importance for the economic and social development of the country, it is the largest economic sector in Brazil. However, it has been heavily attacked, and at this time of Tax Reform regulation, there are NGOs and pressure groups calling for an increase in taxes on foods called “ultra-processed”, a concept that does not find national or international scientific consensus. We have millions of people going hungry or in a situation of food insecurity. We are the breadbasket of the world and have established ourselves as the largest exporter of processed foods on the planet. It doesn’t make sense to have even one Brazilian citizen go hungry. It’s embarrassing that they come and ask for a tax increase on any type of food”, says João Dornellas, executive president of ABIA.

Almost 11% of Brazil’s GDP

The Brazilian food and beverage industry processes 61% of everything produced in the countryside, represents 10.9% of Brazil’s GDP and is the largest generator of jobs: 1.97 million direct and formal jobs. There are 9.87 million direct and indirect jobs throughout the production chain.

“We are making official a union that has existed, in fact, for a long time, with great collaboration. We have significant power in generating jobs, with factories from the north to the south of the country, with a unique capillarity. We are proud to be part of the solution, engaging in many positive agendas and robust commitments. We are committed to the fight against increasing the tax burden and not raising taxes, but rather increasing information, innovation and portfolio so that Brazilians can continue to choose their food and drinks according to their lifestyles”, says Victor Bicca, president of ABIR.

The quality and diversity of food has only expanded in recent decades, as a result of the evolution of food processing, science and technology. Innovation is from the field to the packaging, in all categories, and allows us to have a wide variety of foods and drinks, with different nutritional profiles, that can meet people’s most varied needs and preferences.

Democratic access to food

For the Executive President of Abicab, Jaime Recena, UNCAB demonstrates the joint work of all industries in favor of those who want autonomy in their purchases: “We are living a challenging year due to the discussion of tax reform in Congress. Fighting against tax increases means defending democratic access to food. The association I represent is present in the daily lives of all Brazilians. We are in the meetings, in the celebrations, in the unique moments of each Brazilian.”

The industry consistently invests in the development of new processes, ingredients and formulations. Last year alone, R$36 billion were invested in innovation. Brazil has 38 thousand companies that produce food every day, of which 35 thousand are micro, small and medium-sized – which demonstrates the immense potential for adding value to food production in the country.

“The launch of UNCAB is a demonstration of our commitment to addressing relevant challenges facing the Brazilian food and beverage industry, such as increased taxes on products and tax reform. This milestone emphasizes our dedication and care in addressing issues that have a direct impact on our consumer interests, while ensuring access to safe and quality food. In a country where more than 10 million people face food insecurity, this commitment becomes even more crucial”, highlights Claudio Zanão, executive president of Abimapi.