Billionaire Profile
Blairo Maggi
Global Rank
#2620

Image: Antônio Cruz/ABr | CC BY 3.0 br | via Wikimedia Commons

Blairo Maggi

CEO, Agribusiness
BRAZIL
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.402B
Estimated based on Agribusiness stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
69
Source
Agribusiness
Industry
Energy
Citizenship
BRAZIL

Biography

Blairo Maggi is a prominent Brazilian billionaire and agribusiness magnate, celebrated for his significant role in the global soybean market through the Amaggi Group. With an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion, as of December 2025 (Forbes Real-Time Billionaires), his wealth is primarily sourced from his vast holdings in the agribusiness sector. Maggi, often referred to as the 'Soy King', has also served as a Brazilian senator and former governor of Mato Grosso. His career is marked by entrepreneurial success and political influence.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Blairo Borges Maggi was born on May 29, 1956, in Torres, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He is the son of Andre Maggi, who founded the Amaggi Group. Maggi earned a degree in agronomy from the Federal University of Paraná, which laid the groundwork for his career in the agricultural sector.

Rise to Success

Blairo Maggi's career took off with the Amaggi Group, initially focused on seed production. Under his leadership, Amaggi expanded significantly, becoming one of Brazil's largest private soybean producers and exporters. The company's operations cover farming, processing, storage, transportation (including ports and waterways), and global exports, thus integrating the entire supply chain. Maggi's investments in infrastructure, such as port terminals, enhanced export efficiency and profitability.

Key Business Strategies

Maggi's business strategies have been key to Amaggi's success. The company's model integrates production and logistics, enabling it to control a significant portion of the soybean market. Continuous expansion, both domestically and internationally, has been another significant strategy. In recent years, Amaggi has also invested in sustainable expansion and renewable energy, further diversifying its operations and strengthening its long-term prospects. Amaggi has expanded its global presence with offices in cities like Rotterdam and Buenos Aires.

Philanthropy

Blairo Maggi actively supports education and environmental conservation through the Maggi Foundation, which works to promote social impact and sustainability in Brazil.

Career Milestones

1977

Founded Sementes Maggi

Co-founded Sementes Maggi, the first unit of Amaggi, which focused on seed production.

1979

Expanded to Mato Grosso

Amaggi acquired its first property in Mato Grosso, expanding operations into a major agricultural region.

2001

CEO of Amaggi

Took over as chief executive of Amaggi after his father's death.

2003-2010

Governor of Mato Grosso

Served as Governor of Mato Grosso, focusing on economic growth and infrastructure development.

2011-2016

Senator for Mato Grosso

Served as a Senator for Mato Grosso.

2016-2019

Minister of Agriculture

Served as Brazil's Minister of Agriculture, advocating for infrastructure and agribusiness expansion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Environment

Maggi Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports initiatives focused on education and environmental conservation within Brazil.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"To me, a 40 percent increase in deforestation doesn't mean anything at all, and I don't feel the slightest guilt over what we are doing here [...] We're talking about an area larger than Europe that has barely been touched, so there is nothing at all to get worried about."

Controversies & Challenges

2006

Golden Chainsaw Award

Received the Golden Chainsaw Award from Greenpeace for alleged contributions to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

2017

Paradise Papers

Name appeared in the 'Paradise Papers' for involvement in a Cayman Islands company.