Brazil’s clean energy
revolution has been a largely overlooked accomplishment. Renewable energy
accounts for more than 85% of domestically-produced energy, and many of
the cars on the road run on sugarcane ethanol. In recent years the country
has moved into wind power initiatives as well, looking to reduce the heavy
reliance on hydroelectric power.
Brahma (brewing and beverages which through a series of acquisitions
created Anheuser Busch InBev), Embraer (aircraft production), Votorantim
(diversified conglomerate specializing in basic industries), Banco Itaú
(banking), Natura (cosmetics), América Latina Logística (logistics),
Promon (engineering), Sabó (auto parts), Pão de Açúcar (food retailing),
and Aracruz (pulp and paper).
Embraer is the fourth largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, with
over twelve thousand employees and $5.5 billion revenues in 2009. By the
end of the 1990’s, the company had emerged as one of Brazil’s largest
exporters. Over the 1990’s, Embraer won a 40% share of the global market
for regional jets, while the market leader Bombardier lost nearly half of
its market share over the same period, and number three Fairchild Dornier
filed for bankruptcy.
While Brazil maintains strong
growth prospects, the economy faces some unique challenges as the central
bank takes steps to prevent overheating. Brazil has had challenges with
inflation in the past, experiencing hyperinflation in 1994 when the
consumer price index exceeded 5,000%.
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