July 24, 2026, Press Release
Zen-Noh Global and Grupo Cereal Announce Strategic Partnership
Agreement brings together the strength of the Goiás-based agribusiness company and the global reach of one of the world's largest agricultural cooperatives
São Paulo, July 2026 —Zen-Noh Brasil Trading LTDA (Zen-Noh Brasil) has signed an agreement to acquire a 30% equity stake in Grupo Cereal, a family-owned agribusiness company with more than 40 years of experience serving producers across the agricultural value chain. Headquartered in Rio Verde, Grupo Cereal is one of the largest agricultural conglomerates in Brazil, specializing in grain origination, agricultural inputs, processing, and renewable energy.
The partnership reflects Zen-Noh Global Holdings SA (Zen-Noh Global) long-term commitment to a resilient supply chain through investments in leading agribusinesses. By partnering Grupo’s strong regional presence and producer relationships with Zen-Noh Global’s network and market expertise, the companies are creating a platform for sustainable growth, continued infrastructure development and enhanced value for agricultural producers who remain at the center of both organizations' strategy.
“Over the past 40 years, the Barauna family has built Grupo Cereal into a highly respected organization known for its operational excellence and commitment to the communities it serves. Their values, reputation, and long-term approach to business success make them an ideal partner as we work together to create new opportunities in Brazil and beyond,” explained Ricardo Capone, President of Zen-Noh Brasil.
Under the agreement, the Barauna family will retain 70% ownership and continue to lead the company's strategic direction and operations. Evaristo Lira Baraúna will become Chairman of the Board of Directors.
“Partnering with Zen-Noh Brasil is a transformative opportunity for Grupo Cereal,” said Adriano Barauna, CEO of Grupo Cereal. “This honors the legacy our family has built while providing new opportunities to invest, grow and better serve our producers and customers. We are moving forward with the same culture and the same professional family management as always — but now with the backing of one of the largest agricultural groups on the planet.”
Grupo Cereal is advised by Rabobank and Alianzo. Zen-Noh Global is advised by Deloitte, Santos Neto Advogados and SL Process. Completion of the agreement is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities and the fulfillment of conditions required for transactions of this type.
About Zen-Noh Global
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Zen-Noh Global is the international agribusiness platform of the Zen-Noh group, Japan’s leading agricultural cooperative organization. Zen-Noh Global helps strengthen food security by sourcing and delivering grains, oilseeds, forage, food products, and agricultural inputs through a global network of operations and strategic investments, with a focus on reliability, quality, and long-term partnerships. The company has been present in Brazil since 2015 and expanded its local footprint in 2017 through an investment in ALZ, a grain origination and export company serving Brazil's MATOPIBA region (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia).
About Grupo Cereal
Founded in 1981 by Evaristo Lira Barauna in Rio Verde (GO), Grupo Cereal is a family-owned company that evolved from a grain brokerage into one of the largest agricultural conglomerates in Brazil. The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, holding Brazil's Social Fuel Seal (Selo Combustível Social) and supporting family farming through a structured producer program. Grupo Cereal employs approximately 1,000 people, operates its own truck fleet, and serves customers across multiple Brazilian states.