# Brazil cachaça premiumization and export push > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-cachaa-premiumization-drive > Updated: 2026-08-16T11:51:47.000Z. Sources: 63. Developments: 5. By late July 2026, Brazil’s cachaça sector had reached a record 1,583 registered establishments—a 21% increase over the previous year and the strongest growth since 2018—spanning 844 municipalities. The Southeast region concentrated most firms (961), led by Minas Gerais (564) and São Paulo (230), together accounting for over 62% of all producers; the South added 277 units, chiefly in Rio Grande do Sul, while the Northeast, Center-West and North contributed 211, 70 and 19 establishments respectively. Employment averaged 6,232 jobs in 2025, representing 4.4% of Brazil’s beverage-manufacturing workforce. Exports rose to almost 8 million L, reaching 76 markets and generating revenue above US$17 million, up 19.4% year-on-year; the United States was the top buyer by value, while Paraguay bought the largest volume. ApexBrasil confirmed a R$2.63 million programme to promote cachaça abroad, diversifying after a 50% U.S. tariff and targeting Mexico, Canada and Europe. The quantitative expansion is being translated into premium branding through several high-profile events. The 96th Semana do Fazendeiro workshop in Viçosa (22-23 July) trained small-scale producers in cocktail mixology and direct-to-venue sales, aiming to reposition artisanal cachaça as a premium cocktail ingredient. In Rio de Janeiro, the “O Brasil na Garrafa” exhibition (17 July-4 Oct) highlighted cachaça’s cultural heritage, showcased the newly granted Denominação de Origem for Paraty and emphasized its soft-power value. The 35th Expocachaça fair in Belo Horizonte (6-8 August) displayed more than 2,000 labels from 250 exhibitors, projecting roughly R$30 million in business. These initiatives reinforce the sector’s move toward premiumization and international market diversification. ## Claims - Brazil had 1,583 establishments in the cachaça production chain in 2025. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The number of establishments increased by 272 from 2024, a 21% rise, the largest since 2018. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Since 2018 the sector has grown 61% in total number of establishments. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The Southeast region accounts for 961 establishments, with Minas Gerais (564) and São Paulo (230) together representing over 62% of all establishments. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The sector employed an average of 6,232 workers in 2025, representing 4.4% of total employment in Brazil's beverage manufacturing industry. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Cachaça exports in 2025 reached almost 8 million litres to 76 countries, a 19.4% increase over 2024, with revenue exceeding US$17 million. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The United States was the largest buyer of cachaça by value in 2025, while Paraguay bought the most volume (1.34 million L). (corroborated by 19 sources) - The 35th edition of Expocachaça took place in Belo Horizonte. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The fair featured more than 2,000 cachaça labels. (corroborated by 3 sources) - About 250 exhibitors from 18 Brazilian states participated. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The event was held at CenterMinas Expo. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The fair ran from Thursday August 6 to Saturday August 8. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: Cachaça highlighted in Brazilian cultural and gastronomic events Brazilian cachaça is being celebrated through a cultural workshop in Mato Grosso do Sul and a dedicated exhibition at Casa Firjan in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting its role in identity and trade. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cachaa-highlighted-in-brazilian-cultural-and-gastronomic-events ### 2026-08-06: Belo Horizonte hosts Expocachaça fair with 2,000 cachaça labels Expocachaça’s 35th edition opened in Belo Horizonte (Aug 6‑8) at CenterMinas Expo, featuring 2,000+ cachaça labels, 250 exhibitors, 25,000 visitors and an expected R$30 million in business. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belo-horizonte-hosts-expocachaa-fair-with-2000-cachaa-labels ### 2026-07-31: Brazil's cachaça sector adds 21% more establishments, reaching 1,583 in 2025 Brazil's cachaça industry grew 21% in 2025, reaching 1,583 establishments, adding 6,232 jobs and boosting exports to 8 million litres; ApexBrasil invests R$2.6 M to diversify markets. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-invests-r26-million-to-boost-cachaa-exports-amid-record-industry-growth ### 2026-07-21: Rio de Janeiro cachaça exhibition highlights Brazil's cultural heritage Rio de Janeiro's Casa Firjan hosts the 'O Brasil na Garrafa' exhibition, showcasing cachaça's cultural, economic and soft‑power significance across July‑October 2024. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-cachaa-exhibition-highlights-brazils-cultural-heritage ### 2026-07-09: Viçosa, Brazil hosts workshop to position artisanal cachaça as premium spirit A two‑day workshop in Viçosa, Brazil (22‑23 July 2026) will train cachaça producers to market the spirit as a premium cocktail ingredient, aiming to boost margins and compete with imports. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/viosa-brazil-hosts-workshop-to-position-artisanal-cachaa-as-premium-spirit --- Cite as: Brazil cachaça premiumization and export push. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-cachaa-premiumization-drive