Cuíca partners with Tetra Pak to launch Amazon nut milk in Brazil

BRAZIL – Cuíca, a Brazilian foodtech startup known for developing plant-based food and beverages using ingredients from native biomes, has partnered with global packaging leader Tetra Pak to launch its first Amazon nut milk.

The collaboration included product formulation support and access to Tetra Pak’s pilot plant facilities, helping Cuíca bring its innovative, sustainable product to market.

The initial product testing and formulation took place at Tetra Pak’s Customer Innovation Center (CIC) in Monte Mor, São Paulo.

This facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and testing capabilities, enabling companies of any size to refine their products before scaling up for commercial distribution.

“Tetra Pak played a crucial role in our product development—from the pilot plant tests to selecting the most suitable packaging that aligned with our product’s unique characteristics,” said Bianca Oglouyan, co-founder of Cuíca.

Beyond technical support, Tetra Pak also assisted Cuíca in identifying co-packers capable of manufacturing and packaging the nut milk using Tetra Pak’s infrastructure.

This co-packing model is particularly beneficial for startups and early-stage companies that lack in-house production capabilities.

“Through collaboration, any brand—regardless of size or sector—can leverage Tetra Pak’s long-life packaging without needing its own manufacturing facility,” said Luis Kühl, Sales and Business Development Director at Tetra Pak Brazil.

“This model supports innovation and accessibility in the food and beverage space.”

Cuíca was founded with a mission to create food that respects biodiversity, supports indigenous communities, and contributes to sustainable development.

Co-founders Bianca Oglouyan and Cristina Frange work closely with local communities in the Amazon, ensuring their products reflect the region’s ancestral knowledge and cultural richness.

“Our nut milk is more than a beverage—it’s a commitment to preserving the environment and supporting the communities that live in and protect the Amazon,” Oglouyan said.

“The nuts are sourced through sustainable extraction practices, not monoculture. They come from centuries-old chestnut trees, and are harvested and processed by indigenous and riverside communities.”

The product also aligns with clean-label principles. Thanks to Tetra Pak’s advanced aseptic packaging technology, Cuíca was able to avoid using preservatives and keep the ingredient list to just four components.

The packaging offers a shelf life of up to one year—an essential feature for the brand’s export ambitions.

“The partnership with Tetra Pak has given us the tools to deliver a truly sustainable product—from source to shelf,” added Oglouyan.

Available in original, barista, and culinary versions, Cuíca’s nut milk is naturally rich in selenium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, and protein—making it both a nutritious and environmentally conscious choice.

“This partnership with Cuíca is a great example of how Tetra Pak supports companies not only through packaging but also through formulation support, market insights, processing equipment, and technical services,” concluded Kühl.

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