Itaueira Agropecuária SA was founded on October 17, 1983, by Carlos Prado and his younger brother, José Roberto Prado, in Canto do Buriti, Piauí. With the support of agronomist Ermanno Bonaspetti, the company began with experiments in precocious dwarf cashew orchards, marketed under the GAIA brand.
The company later expanded into tropical fruit production, developing a model for the planting and post-harvest handling of yellow melons. The first trials, carried out on 8 irrigated hectares in Itaiçaba, Ceará, introduced standardized fruit for the domestic market at a time when higher-quality produce was largely exported.
© Itaueira
A distinctive packaging format, melons wrapped in nets, was introduced by José Roberto Prado. This innovation influenced consumer perception and became widely recognized in the Brazilian fruit sector.
In 2001, Itaueira started exporting melons to Europe under the Rei, Dunort, and Cepi brands, and later expanded production into Piauí and Bahia. Over time, operations diversified to include other melon varieties, mini watermelons, bell peppers, shrimp, honey, juices, processed fruit, and grapes supplied through partner growers.
In August 2025, Carlos Prado received the Comenda 2 de Julho (July 2nd Commendation) from the Bahia State Legislative Assembly, the state's highest honor. The award recognizes individuals who contribute to the political, economic, and social development of Bahia and Brazil.
The Assembly highlighted Itaueira's investments in municipalities such as Ribeira do Amparo and Curaçá, which have generated employment and strengthened fruit production in the state for both domestic and export markets.
During his acceptance speech, Prado dedicated the recognition to his family, particularly his wife Rosarita, whom he credited as central to his career. The ceremony in the plenary hall of the Legislative Assembly was attended by business and political leaders, who noted Prado's role in advancing regional and national agribusiness.
Itaueira Agropecuária, with over four decades of activity, remains a family-owned Brazilian company. It is active in the production of melons and other fruits, maintaining operations in several states and exporting to markets in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
For more information:
Adriana Prado
Itaueira
Tel: +55 85 99982-7024
Email: [email protected]
www.itaueira.com