João Jacob Vontobel, Vonpar founder and billionaire, dies at 97

João Jacob Vontobel, the founder of Vonpar and one of Brazil’s oldest billionaires, has died at the age of 97. Born in Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul, Vontobel began his business career in the beverage sector in 1948.

A defining moment in his career occurred in 1957 when he established a partnership with Coca-Cola, leading to the growth of Vonpar as a major bottler in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Under his leadership, the company expanded into the beer market with brands such as Kaiser and Heineken, and diversified into the food industry. In 2016, Vontobel sold Vonpar’s beverage operations to the Mexican company Coca-Cola FEMSA for approximately R$ 3.5 billion.

In addition to his business achievements, Vontobel was recognized for his philanthropic efforts. In 2003, he founded the Prato Popular Restaurante Comunitário in Porto Alegre, an initiative providing low-cost meals to vulnerable populations. His wealth was estimated by Forbes at approximately R$ 3 billion in 2025.