"Cerrado" Frozen Fruits Ltd: modernisation of procurement and processing facilities for exotic frozen fruit pulps in Carolina, Brazil In northern Brazil, between the dry savannah-like regions in the east and the dense Amazon jungle in the west, lies the "Cerrado", an area with intermediate vegetation, a large biodiversity and inhabited by several indigenous communities. The Cerrado produces a great variety of exotic fruits, that are traditionally collected by the indigenous populations (no cultivation). To support these indigenous communities the NGO Centro de Trabalho Indigenista (CTI) was created. Among other activities CTI stimulates indigenous people to create economic activities to support themselves financially, but trying not to interfere in their traditional lifestyle. In the past, in cooperation with ICCO, CTI implemented a fruit processing plant FrutaSa (healthy fruit) that has been operating for over 20 years. However, the company has always lacked the technological know-how and professional management to make it a commercial success. Furthermore, the indigenous people do not dispose of any knowledge to correctly harvest and handle their produce, resulting in erratic supply, poor quality and substantial losses.Applicant, Qua Ter Nes B.V., from the Netherlands, and FrutaSa, Industria, Comercio E Exportacao Ltda. from Carolina, Maranhao, now intend to form a joint venture to set up a modern fruit processing plant, that will meet the most severe food safety and health requirements to be able to even export their products to the EU. Simultaneously, they will implement a modern procurement system to ensure optimum freshness and quality of the fruit collected in the indigenous areas. Several collecting stations will be installed within the communities to cool the fruit immediately after harvest, and pre-process on the spot to maintain maximum quality and taste. This is completely new for Brazil, and will have a significant positive impact on the economy of the indigenous communities.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)CSR is practically embedded in the project through the participation of ICCO and FrutaSã. Both organisations have the mission of providing a fair income to the poorest segments of the population, and have been active for years in the support and development of the indigenous communities, without affecting their traditions and way of life.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe project will generate 12 new direct jobs, of which 1high-level (manager), 5 medium-level (3 procurement staff and 2 machine technicians) and 6 basic-level (operators for handling and preparation of fruit). For basic-level operators salaries will be 1.5 times the legal minimum, and for medium-level 2.0 times. Two years after the pilot the number of permanent jobs will have increased to 20.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe transfer of knowledge concerning quality and logistics (storage and transport) of the fruits to the local fruit pickers/producers is completely new. Although the used technologies and techniques may be applied in other parts of Brazil, the involvement of indigenous people is unique. To avoid any over-harvesting, the indigenous pickers will be educated on ecosystem interdependence and will be guided by procurement staff.Finally, the project will introduce international quality control systems (including ISO and HACCP certification, tracking and tracing system) for the complete supply chain, including all chain actors. This is new for the region.•	Chain effectsThe project will have impact (and responsibility) on a total of 450 fruit pickers/farmers who will have supply contracts. These contracts will clearly specify the projected production/supply and the training that will be given by the project. The supply contracts will have a long term character and will guarantee a reasonable income to the farmers and, in case they can comply with the international quality standards set by the joint venture, will result in a significant price increase compared to current raw material prices.Further in the chain, the project will create long-term contracts for suppliers of utilities (maintenance), financial and administrative services and packaging materials.•	EnvironmentThe direct impact of the project on the environment will be neutral. On a long term however, the impact is positive, as it will support indigenous communities to sustainably exploit the Cerrado fruit trees, thereby reducing the risk of this ecosystem disappearing over time.•	Position of womenThe joint venture will offer equal opportunities for men and women. Moreover, the impact on the position of the indigenous women who will pick and supply the exotic fruits is positive. Non-timber products such as fruits and nuts are a significant source of livelihood for forest populations, and these activities are traditionally performed by women. Harvesting non-timber products normally involves low technology, but is also a knowledge-intensive activity, particularly suited for women in forest areas. Moreover, it can easily be combined with other household activities. To implement a modern fruit processing plant, with a capacity of 350 tons per year, while stimulating sustainable procurement from indigenous communities and small local farmers.