BRAZILIAN COCOA AND THE EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION (EUDR): CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

This work aimed to analyze the competitive position of Brazilian cocoa in the international market, focusing on the challenges and opportunities represented by the European Union's Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR). The methodology consisted of a panoramic analysis of national cocoa farming, highlighting its recognized quality – with the title of 100% fine and flavor cocoa – and its unique production model, based on Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) and family farming. The main results reveal that although Brazil is a prominent global player, the new European legislation imposes a significant technical barrier, requiring investments in digital traceability, environmental validation, and legal compliance by producers. It is concluded that overcoming these challenges, through joint investments in technology and governance, can transform the EUDR from a threat into a strategic lever, consolidating Brazilian cocoa as a premium and sustainable product on the global stage.