The Stone Summit, held on Tuesday morning (October 3) at Rede Gazeta, gathered leaders from Espírito Santo’s stone industry to explore the challenges and opportunities in a sector that generates millions in annual exports. Organized in partnership with Centrorochas, Marmomac Brazil, and Nebrax, the event outlined a vision to position Espírito Santo as a global reference in natural stone production.
Central Themes: Sustainability, Competitiveness, and Innovation
The summit revolved around key topics such as sustainability, international competitiveness, and innovative communication with global markets. Panelists emphasized the critical role of environmental certifications and efficient logistics in strengthening the industry’s global standing.
Strategic Insights from Industry Leaders
The panel featured contributions from:
- Rafael Furlanetti, partner and institutional director at XP Investimentos,
- Fábio Cruz, vice president of Centrorochas, and
- José Eduardo de Azevedo, Secretary of Economic Development for Aracruz.
Moderated by A Gazeta columnist Abdo Filho, the discussion underscored Espírito Santo’s strategic advantages and its potential to thrive in a world increasingly focused on sustainability.
“We are privileged with abundant natural resources and renewable energy,” Furlanetti noted, emphasizing the global appeal of Espírito Santo’s exotic stones. “Our products are not only aesthetically superior but also environmentally responsible, making the region uniquely positioned to lead in a sustainability-driven global market.”
Driving Growth Through Infrastructure
Logistics infrastructure was another major focus. José Eduardo de Azevedo highlighted Espírito Santo’s strategic location, independent ports, and growing infrastructure. However, he pointed out the need for seamless integration to enhance competitiveness.
“For Espírito Santo to truly excel, every step in the logistics process must work efficiently, from transportation to cargo dispatch. Public and private sector collaboration is essential to turn these opportunities into a competitive advantage that benefits the entire region,” he said.
Tackling Global Market Challenges
Fábio Cruz addressed the lack of environmental certifications as a barrier to competing internationally. He stressed the need for Brazil to better communicate its sustainability credentials, especially given its relatively clean energy matrix.
“Our natural stones are more sustainable than many synthetic alternatives,” Cruz remarked. “Yet we lose market share because we lack certifications like the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Without these, we’re excluded from international projects that demand standards like LEED and Green Building, despite offering superior products.”
To address this, Cruz advocated for strategic marketing and communication initiatives to highlight the environmental and aesthetic value of Brazilian stones. He emphasized the importance of engaging architects, designers, and end consumers to enhance the global reputation of Espírito Santo’s stone products.
A Path to Global Leadership
The Stone Summit concluded with a shared commitment to advancing Espírito Santo’s stone industry through innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration. By leveraging its unique resources and addressing logistical and certification challenges, the region is poised to solidify its position as a global leader in natural stone.
The event underscored the importance of aligning industry narratives with global market demands, ensuring that Espírito Santo’s exceptional products achieve the recognition they deserve on the international stage.
Source: www.agazeta.com.br
