An initiative by Sabará Group’s business unit contributes to the conservation of approximately 345,000 hectares of native vegetation and involves around 2,100 families in the harvesting and processing of ingredients
São Paulo, September 2022 – On September 21, Brazil celebrates Tree Day, a date that marks the beginning of spring in the country. Established in 1965, the occasion aims to raise awareness among the public, government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders of the importance of trees to life on Earth. Trees play essential roles, such as producing oxygen, preventing soil erosion, reducing temperatures, and providing food for animal species.
In 2022, with forest protection as a key priority, Concepta Ingredients—a business unit of Sabará Group and a leading supplier of ingredients to various industries, with a focus on natural, organic, and sustainable products—invested in creating the Bio Abundance Program. The initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to the social and environmental responsibility of protecting Brazil’s forests and aims to ensure the traceability of raw materials sourced from the Amazon and other biomes.
The initiative is built on five pillars: connecting people through a virtuous value chain that links the richness of the forest to the market; keeping forests standing; respecting the peoples and communities who live in these areas; encouraging the use of ingredients sourced from Brazilian biomes; and promoting socioeconomic inclusion and reducing social inequality.
Built around the engagement of communities, cooperatives, and agro-extractive associations that supply raw materials, the Bio Abundance Program was created to strengthen an ongoing initiative at Concepta Ingredients. “The ingredients we offer are supported by initiatives that empower families and help conserve different biomes across Brazil, contributing to the indirect conservation of approximately 345,000 hectares of native vegetation through the enhancement of non-timber forest products,” explains André Sabará, Commercial Director at Concepta Ingredients.
The executive explains that the initiative involves approximately 2,100 families engaged in harvesting and processing the products, including members of traditional communities who find another reason to remain in their home regions through this work, which generates income from these raw materials. “Suppliers are also encouraged to adopt sustainable management practices in their extractive activities and diversify what we call their ‘product basket,’ recognizing the value of cooperatives and traditional communities and helping protect biomes and territories,” André adds.
International Recognition and Funding
Thanks to its work with communities across the Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes, Concepta Ingredients received financial support this year from the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD). The fund is considered an important instrument of the Dutch government, contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This funding is a recognition of the work carried out by Concepta Ingredients. One of the key factors behind this support is the company’s commitment to paying fair prices to local communities, encouraging them to protect the forest and adopt sustainable harvesting practices that help prevent deforestation.
Following the DFCD’s approval of the funding, a financing agreement was signed, granting Concepta Ingredients a subsidy of EUR 350,000. Among other initiatives, the funding supports a technical feasibility study and market research.
Ulisses Sabará, CEO of Sabará Group, highlights the importance of this funding for the business unit’s plans involving local communities. “The DFCD’s investment will help us take the next steps in supporting local communities as we continue working toward the processing and sustainable use of natural ingredients sourced from Brazil’s forests,” the executive says.
About Concepta Ingredients
Concepta Ingredients is part of Sabará Group and specializes in natural and technology-driven solutions developed in accordance with the Bio Abundance Program. Drawing on innovation and research, the company offers organic ingredients through a business model that empowers families and contributes to the indirect conservation of areas across different Brazilian biomes. Its extensive portfolio includes technologically advanced ingredients from international partners and ingredients sourced from Brazil’s biodiversity, meeting the most specific needs of the industries it serves.
About Sabará Group
With more than 65 years of history, Sabará Group is a truly Brazilian company recognized for its ability to innovate and adapt. For three generations, the Group has overcome challenges and established itself in the markets where it operates. Its commitment to the well-being of people around the world goes beyond offering innovative products and services. The Group’s activities take future generations into account, focusing on solutions that ensure sustainability. Through its various business segments, Sabará Group operates throughout Brazil and maintains a presence in countries across South America, North America, and Europe. It specializes in developing high-performance technologies, solutions, and raw materials for water treatment in the sanitation and industrial sectors, animal nutrition and health, and the food and beverage industries. Its products are developed using 100% Brazilian expertise and technology, helping establish Brazil as a benchmark in product research aimed at building a sustainable world.
