Billionaire Profile
Blairo Maggi
Global Rank
#2545

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Blairo Maggi

CEO, Amaggi Group
BR
Real-Time Net Worth
$1B
As of December 2025
Age
69
Source
Agribusiness
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
BR

Biography

Blairo Maggi, a Brazilian agribusiness magnate, is the son of the founders of the Amaggi Group, a major player in the soybean industry. He is recognized as the world's largest soybean producer. Maggi, at 69 years old, has an estimated net worth of $1.0 billion. His career includes roles as the former governor of Mato Grosso and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply. His family's wealth originates from agribusiness. His success, however, has been associated with controversies around deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. He holds a degree in agronomy from the Federal University of Paraná.

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 André Maggi, who founded the Amaggi Group. Blairo graduated from the Federal University of Paraná with a degree in agronomy. His family had a background in agricultural production, and his early life was shaped by the agricultural sector.

Rise to Success

Blairo Maggi's career is primarily defined by his achievements in the agribusiness sector. He is recognized as the world's largest soybean producer. After his father's death in 2001, he took over the Amaggi Group, expanding its operations. He also served as the governor of Mato Grosso and later as Brazil's Minister of Agriculture.

Key Business Strategies

As the head of Amaggi Group, Maggi oversaw vast operations in soybean cultivation, processing, and exporting. The company's strategies involve infrastructure investments in soy terminals, highways, and waterways to support the soybean industry. Amaggi has expanded into grain origination, processing, trading and energy production. In 2021, Amaggi invested approximately $436 million in areas like agricultural production and logistics. The company also has a focus on sustainable practices.

Philanthropy

Maggi's philanthropic efforts include the André e Lúcia Maggi Foundation, which contributes to the sustainable development of communities. The foundation was established in 1997, as Amaggi has contributed to local and human development in the communities where it operates.

Career Milestones

2001

CEO of Amaggi Group

Took over as the CEO after his father's death.

2002

Governor of Mato Grosso

Elected as governor of Mato Grosso.

2009

Included in Forbes list of the world's most powerful people

Recognized for his influence in agribusiness.

2016

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply

Appointed as Minister of Agriculture during Michel Temer's administration.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

André e Lúcia Maggi Foundation

Undisclosed

Contributes to sustainable development in local communities.

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."

Leadership Principles

Focus on agricultural production

Leading the Amaggi Group, which specializes in the soy industry.

Investment and expansion

Investing in various areas, including logistics and energy, to increase synergy.

Controversies & Challenges

2006

Golden Chainsaw Award

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

2017

Paradise Papers

Found his name ensnared in the "Paradise Papers" scandal by the ICIJ, casting shadows over his business practices.