GTF announces a R$ 120 million investment to build a tilapia farm in Terra Rica, in northwestern Paraná.
GTF, one of Brazil's largest chicken producers and owner of the Canção brand, has announced a R$ 120 million investment in Paraná. The funds will be used to build a tilapia farm in Terra Rica, in the state's northwest, expanding the company's presence in the sector.
Upon completion of the project, the company aims to increase daily production from approximately 14,000 to 100,000 fish—a more than sevenfold increase—placing the operation among the top three in the country. The project is moving forward despite certain uncertainties surrounding tilapia production, such as regulatory issues, debates regarding invasive species, tariffs imposed by the United States, and rising input costs.
The venture will be developed over the next five years and reinforces Paraná's leadership in the national production of tilapia, the species experiencing the fastest growth in both consumption and production in Brazil. The company also plans to build a dedicated processing plant for the fish in the future.
GTF calls tilapia "chicken of the water" and accelerates production expansion
The new tilapia farm currently operates with a water surface area of approximately 80 to 90 hectares. The goal is to expand this area to 200 hectares by the time the project is completed, gradually increasing production capacity.
According to GTF executive director Rafael Tortola, the company sees potential in tilapia similar to that of chicken. "We believe tilapia is the 'chicken of the water.' It is an affordable, fast-growing protein with strong domestic market acceptance, as it is an inexpensive protein that Brazilians enjoy," Tortola stated.
The investment aligns with the expansion of tilapia farming in the country. According to the Peixe BR 2025 Yearbook, Brazil produced 662,200 tons of tilapia in 2024—a 132% increase compared to 2015, when 285,000 tons were recorded.
Consumption also rose. Over the last decade, per capita consumption practically doubled, climbing from 1.47 kg to 2.84 kg per inhabitant, driven by demand for proteins considered healthier and the growing popularity of tilapia fillets.
In this context, Paraná holds a prominent position, leading national production ahead of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and Mato Grosso do Sul.
GTF invests in tilapia to expand operations beyond poultry
Best known for chicken production, GTF ranks among the top six companies in the sector in Brazil and is one of the country's ten largest exporters of the protein. In addition to the Canção brand—widely available in supermarkets across Paraná—the company also operates the Lorenz brand, the country's largest cassava processor.
Approximately 85% of the company's revenue comes from the chicken segment, while tilapia accounts for about 5%. The strategy is to increase the share of fish products through its tilapia farm and to control the entire supply chain, from fish farming to industrial processing.
Beyond chicken and tilapia products, the company also produces processed foods such as polenta, french fries, cassava, cheese bread, and breaded products.
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