Centrorochas among the best projects for “Promotion of the Sector’s Image Abroad” at the 2024 ApexBrasil-Exame Awards

On the evening of December 9, Teatro Bravos – Instituto Tomie Ohtake, in São Paulo, hosted the ceremony of the ApexBrasil-Exame Awards: The Best in International Business 2024, a moment to celebrate the initiatives that have been transforming Brazil’s presence in the international market.

Centrorochas was selected as one of the three best image projects in Brazil in the category “Promotion of the Sector’s Image Abroad”, alongside major associations such as Abimóvel [Brazilian Association of Furniture Industries] and Abrapa [Brazilian Cotton Producers Association]. The latter won the category with the program Cotton Brazil, which positioned Brazilian cotton as a world leader in exports.

The recognition of the natural stone industry association reflects the impact of the project It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, which promotes the uniqueness, sustainability, and innovation of Brazilian stones in strategic markets such as the United States, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. “This nomination made us extremely happy. It highlights the evolution of the production chain, which has expanded its strategies, including more than traditional fairs: investing in global partnerships, lectures at important events, and positioning actions that strengthen the competitiveness of Brazilian stones on the international stage,” said the superintendent of Centrorochas, Giovanni Francischetto.

Besides the superintendent, the manager of It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, Thiago Fukuda, its head of communications, Karina Porto Firme, and PMO specialist, Aline Rocha, attended the ceremony. Entrepreneur Gonsalo Machado, from Magban, was also present, establishing the relevance of the evening for the natural stone industry.

In addition to the image category, the award celebrated initiatives in several areas that encourage Brazil’s internationalization and sustainability. Check out the winners of the main categories:

Sustainable Development:

• Promotion of Social Biodiversity: Horta da Terra – Sustainable cultivation of unconventional food plants in the Amazon.
• Regional Development: M. Dias Branco – Strengthening the local economy in the Northeast, with over 11,600 direct jobs.
• Female Leadership: Scooto – Hiring women in vulnerable situations and supporting their health and well-being.

Export Performance:

• Exporting Company of the Year (Medium- and Large-Sized Businesses): JBS – One of the largest food companies in the world, it exports to around 190 markets.
• Exporting Company of the Year (Micro- and Small-Sized Businesses): Catarina Mina – Connection between craftswomen and consumers, promoting handicrafts from the state of Ceará.
• Inclusion of New Companies in the Exporting Effort: ABIT [Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association] – Inclusion of 74 new companies in the program TexBrasil.

Highlights by Sector:

• Industry (Micro- and Small-Sized Businesses): Opuspac – Hospital automation exported to almost 30 countries.
• Industry (Medium- and Large-Sized Businesses): Maquira Dental Group – Innovative dental consumables in the global market.
• Startup: Jade Astea – Technological solutions for early diagnosis of autism, affecting 179 countries.
• Services (Medium- and Large-Sized Businesses): SERPRO – 161% growth in exports of IT services.
• Services (Micro- and Small-Sized Businesses): LADO Animation – Expansion into markets such as the United States and France.
• Agribusiness (Medium- and Large-Sized Businesses): Cooperativa Aurora – Leader in pork exports to Japan.
• Agribusiness (Micro- and Small-Sized Businesses): Castanhas Ouro Verde – 550% growth in nut exports.

Image:

• Promotion of the Sector’s Image Abroad: Abrapa [Brazilian Cotton Producers Association] – Global leadership with the program Cotton Brazil.
• Digital Promotion: Conexled – Advanced digital strategies that increased conversions and sales.

Foreign Direct Investment:

• Highlight in Foreign Direct Investment: Aclara – Sustainable method to extract rare earths.

Honorable Mentions:

• Future Climate: Forest conservation and bioeconomy in the project Rio Madeira.
• Cup of Excellence: Highlight for women coffee growers and promotion of Brazilian specialty coffee.

Exporter of the Year: Antônio Jorge Camardelli – Leader in the beef market and president of ABIEC [Brazilian Beef Exporters Association].