Last February, the Brazilian Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Association (UNICA) kicked off its 2026 international engagement with a strategic mission to Marrakech, in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and as part of the Sugarcane Ethanol Project.
On February 9, Mr. Eduardo Leão de Sousa, Director of Strategic Development and New Markets at UNICA, participated in the 26th Carbo Solutions International Sugar Conference — an event that brought together sugar producers and industry experts from around the world. The conference showcased the latest innovations shaping the future of sugar production, including AI and Digital Twins, yield optimization technologies, digital transformation, sustainability practices, cybersecurity, and next-generation refining solutions.
In his presentation, Mr. Leão de Sousa highlighted the remarkable versatility of sugarcane, emphasizing its potential to generate a wide range of products beyond sugar. He spotlighted ethanol as a particularly powerful economic opportunity for countries with tropical climate. In the context of low and highly volatile global sugar prices, ethanol production provides tropical countries with a strategic alternative—reducing reliance on fluctuating sugar markets while creating a more stable and diversified revenue stream.
Besides, ethanol adds value to agricultural output, generates jobs, and strengthens energy independence, ultimately supporting more resilient national economies and sustainable development.
In addition to participating in the conference, the UNICA team held bilateral meetings with representatives of the Brazilian government in Morocco and with the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation for Sugar. These discussions focused on strengthening institutional dialogue and identifying opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing Brazil’s position as a global leader in sustainable bioenergy solutions.
