Capal completes 65 years of history with expansion

Capal Cooperativa Agroindustrial celebrates its 65th anniversary this September, solidifying its position as one of the leading cooperatives in Southern Brazil. With over 3,8 member producers, 23 units in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, and revenue exceeding R$4 billion in fiscal year 2024, Capal continues its expansion with investments in infrastructure and new units. In the first half of 2025, R$57,5 million was invested in construction, while in the previous year, investments exceeded R$132 million.

The strength of this growth is anchored in the principles of cooperativism and the values ​​that guide the cooperative: integrity, transparency, respect, simplicity, commitment, and sustainability. Capal's CEO, Adilson Roberto Fuga, points out that these values ​​are lived daily in decisions and relationships. "I call these values ​​the 'rock-solid clauses' of the cooperative. We are in constant dialogue with the Board of Directors, with the members, and with the community, maintaining the cooperative spirit without compromising any of these values, which are so dear to us," he emphasizes.

Tradition that inspires future generations

Capal's history began in the 1960s, when Dutch immigrant families settled in Arapoti, in the Campos Gerais region of Paraná. Faced with challenging conditions, such as a distinct climate and a lack of infrastructure and electricity, these producers brought with them the goal of promoting faith, education, and cooperation, using this three pillars to organize and thrive.

The cooperative was founded by 21 members, with milk production as its primary source of income. More than six decades later, the production chain has diversified and today includes, in addition to dairy and beef cattle, the production of grains such as soybeans, corn, wheat, and barley, coffee farming, pig farming, and seed production.

In 2025, upon its 65th anniversary, the cooperative reinforces its purpose of uniting people, producing food, and contributing to a better world. For the CEO, the founders' legacy continues to be a reference for the present and the future. "It's crucial that young people just starting out in the field learn about the principles of cooperativism and understand how Capal was born, where it drew the strength to develop, and what sustained its pioneers through the most difficult times, so they understand where the cooperative came from and where it's going," says Fuga.

Expansion and investments

Capal's progress is reflected in the opening of new units, such as in Avaré, São Paulo, and Santo Antônio da Platina, Paraná, and in infrastructure investments in municipalities such as Arapoti, Paraná, Itararé, São Paulo, Taquarituba, São Paulo, and Wenceslau Braz, Paraná. According to Adilson, Capal's unique selling point lies in its business approach: placing members at the center of decision-making.

"The cooperative always works to achieve the greatest benefit for its members. And it's important that members see it as a whole, not as segments or simply as a market company. When producers value the cooperative as a whole, everyone wins: they, with improved results, and Capal, which can continue to grow and invest in the benefit of its members," he emphasizes.