Mato Grosso consolidates leadership in corn-based ethanol production

Mato Grosso has established itself as the second largest national ethanol producer, behind only São Paulo. The state reached 6,70 billion liters in the 2024/25 harvest, with growth of 17% compared to the previous cycle. The increase exceeds the national average of 3,65% and guarantees the state the largest percentage increase among the five main producers in the country.

The data was released by the Federation of Industries of Mato Grosso (Fiemt) and the Union of Bioenergy Industries (Bioind-MT). The superintendent of the Famato System, Cleiton Gauer, presented the Panorama of the 2024/25 Harvest, prepared by the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea).

Corn ethanol drove growth. Production reached 5,62 billion liters, an increase of 23,77%. Grain milling increased from 10,11 to 12,50 million tons. Mato Grosso accounted for 68% of the national production of cereal ethanol.

Co-products also grew. DDG/DDGS production increased by 28,28%, totaling 2,72 million tons. Corn oil increased by almost 30%, reaching 257,5 thousand tons.

Sugarcane ethanol declined. Production fell 8,63%, closing at 1,08 billion liters. Milling decreased 2,37%. Sugar production, however, grew 6,21%, reaching 571,1 thousand tons.

For the 2025/26 harvest, the projection is for a new increase. Total production should grow by 5%, totaling 7,03 billion liters. Corn ethanol should reach 5,98 billion, driven by two new plants and an estimated crushing of 13,3 million tons. Sugarcane ethanol should fall by 2,10%.