The first sugar cane plantation in Brazil was introduced in 1504 on Fernando de
Noronha Island, in the state of Pernambuco, by the Portuguese nobleman Fernão
de Noronha, who had received the island to trade brazilwood.

Soon afterwards, historical documents start mentioning the first sugar mill, which
was built in 1516 in Feitoria de Itamaracá. This had been set up by King Manuel I
on the Pernambuco coast and entrusted to the colonial administrator Pero Capico.