The National Department of Trade and Distribution of ABRAVA – the Brazilian Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Heating – has begun a new leadership cycle with Paulo Neulaender as president and Cida Contrera as vice-president. The term, running until October 2027, aims to strengthen and ensure the sustainability of the AVACR sector.
ABRAVA continues to serve as a key link between industry, trade, and services, and remains the sector’s main representative in dialogue with the market, government, and society. Its strategic priorities include training, innovation, technical regulation, and sustainability. According to ABRAVA’s Department of Economics and Statistics, headed by Toríbio Rolon, the AVACR sector is projected to exceed BRL 54 billion (approx. USD 10.7 billion) in revenue in 2025, with an estimated 18% year-over-year growth and the creation of around 300,000 formal jobs.
According to Neulaender, who represents Frigga, the strength of the department depends on the engagement and collaboration of the sector. The Trade and Distribution Department plays a strategic role as a direct communication channel with the AVACR market and as an opinion leader.
“A strong department is built through market unity and active participation. There is no growth in the comfort zone, nor comfort in the growth zone. Our goal is to evolve collectively and continuously. Trade holds strategic responsibility in this chain,” said Neulaender.
Representing approximately 30% of total AVACR sector revenue, the Trade and Distribution segments take office at a time of both optimism and significant challenges. In the short term, the department will focus on workforce training in sales, logistics, and administration, as well as monitoring fluctuations in input prices and supply conditions.
In the medium term, the board plans to prepare the sector for upcoming tax reforms set to take effect in 2026 and to strengthen dialogue with compressor manufacturers regarding product warranty processes and criteria. Long-term goals include promoting environmental alignment by encouraging sustainable practices and supporting companies in adapting to new regulatory and market demands to ensure competitiveness and environmental responsibility across the AVACR trade and distribution chain.
The new leadership confirms its alignment with ABRAVA’s strategic pillars: air quality, food safety, and decarbonization. Planned actions include combatting improper practices, enhancing technical training, and supporting the dissemination of ABRAVA’s strategic guidelines to promote professionalism and sustainability in the sector.
“The trade sector is the gateway to a more professional and aligned industry. We represent about 30% of the market’s total revenue, which demonstrates our strength and responsibility,” added vice-president Cida Contrera, representing Frigelar.
