For most of us, coffee is more than just a beverage. It is a morning companion, a conversation starter, and a piece of culture. In this journey through the world of coffee, we will dive deep into the sun-drenched coffee plantations of Brazil. We will discover why Brazilian coffee is valued worldwide and how it has developed its unique identity.
Summary of Brazilian Coffee
The following table presents the most important information about Brazilian coffee at a glance. It includes details about the cultivated coffee varieties, the largest growing regions and ports, as well as the main harvest months. For all key figures on harvest volume and the share of global coffee production, I have used the period of the coffee year.[1]
Coffee Cultivation in Brazil
This article contains some numbers and facts as well as insights into the unique aspects of Brazilian coffee. Since I have visited coffee farms in Brazil myself, I would also like to share some personal impressions at the end of the article.
World’s Largest Coffee Producer
Brazil benefits from a unique climate that is ideal for growing Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. With its varying altitudes and climatic conditions, Brazil can produce a wide range of coffee varieties. In the mountains of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, high-quality Arabica coffee thrives, while Robusta coffee is mainly cultivated in lower-altitude regions.
In the 2020 coffee year, Brazil produced approximately 63.4 million bags (60 kg each) of raw coffee. This equates to about 3.8 million tons of raw coffee. Brazil’s coffee production accounts for 37.4% of the world’s total raw coffee production. This means that Brazil is responsible for more than a third of global coffee production, making it the largest coffee producer in the world and playing a vital role in supplying coffee to people across the globe.
Sustainable Coffee from Brazil
The sustainability of Brazilian coffee is all the more important. What threatens Brazil’s nature, environment, and harvest ultimately puts our coffee supply at risk. The equation is quite simple: If coffee cultivation in Brazil suffers from unsustainable farming methods, harvest volumes decrease. This would mean less coffee is available to us. Since demand is demonstrably increasing, scarcity would result, leading to rising prices.
Fortunately, during my trip to coffee farms in Brazil, I noticed that farmers are already taking steps to cultivate coffee more sustainably. They focus on minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the quality of coffee beans. A key aspect of sustainable coffee cultivation in Brazil is the increased use of ecological farming methods. This includes preserving natural resources by reducing pesticide and chemical use to maintain soil quality and protect biodiversity. Additionally, shade-grown coffee is increasingly promoted, allowing coffee to grow under tree canopies and maintaining ecological balance in coffee farming.
Another crucial aspect of sustainable coffee cultivation in Brazil is social responsibility. Farmers receive training in sustainable farming methods, which not only enhances their skills but also improves their income. Promoting fair wages and working conditions for coffee farmers is also a central focus for sustainable coffee production in Brazil and for Novum Coffee.
Varieties of Brazilian Coffee
Brazil, as the world’s largest coffee producer, is also home to an impressive diversity of coffee varieties. The most commonly grown varieties include Bourbon (yellow and red), Catuaí (yellow and red), Acaiá, Mundo Novo, and Topázio.
The Coffee Varieties Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon
Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon are two fascinating coffee varieties appreciated for their exceptional flavors and distinct characteristics. Red Bourbon is distinguished by its deep red coffee cherries and a complex, sweet taste that may feature berry and floral notes. In contrast, Yellow Bourbon is known for its yellow coffee cherries and a smoother, citrusy flavor with sweet undertones.
The Coffee Varieties Red Catuaí and Yellow Catuaí
Red Catuaí and Yellow Catuaí are two remarkable coffee varieties appreciated for their compact size and advantageous cultivation properties. Red Catuaí is characterized by its red coffee cherries and is known for its lively, full-bodied flavor with pronounced acidity and a fruity profile. In contrast, Yellow Catuaí presents a yellow hue in its coffee cherries and offers a milder, sweeter taste with subtle acidity and a smooth profile. Both varieties are favored by coffee producers because their compact size and high productivity make them efficient for cultivation. They are excellent choices for growing in the mountains of Brazil and other coffee-producing regions.
The Coffee Varieties Acaiá, Mundo Novo, and Topázio
Acaiá, Mundo Novo, and Topázio are three more exciting coffee varieties cultivated in Brazil. Acaiá is known for its small size, robust plants, and produces coffee beans with a sweet, mild flavor and balanced acidity. Mundo Novo, a hybrid of Typica and Bourbon, offers a full-bodied taste with pleasant acidity and a slightly nutty note. Topázio, another Brazilian coffee variety, stands out for its high resistance to diseases and produces beans with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor profile. These diverse coffee varieties contribute to the rich and multifaceted world of Brazilian coffee, offering coffee lovers a broad range of aromas and taste experiences.
Coffee Farms in Brazil – Personal Impressions
My journey to Brazilian coffee farms was truly a special highlight. I could easily go on a long monologue about the many experiences I had, but to keep things interesting, I will only share the key insights with you.
1. Sustainable Coffee Is Becoming More Important
Compared to coffee farms in Honduras, Brazilian coffee farms look quite different. Monocultures are much more common here, which is not great for sustainability. However, farmers have recognized this and are taking action. For example, additional plants are being grown alongside coffee, and in some cases, the government mandates reforestation of certain areas. Still, the price competition driven by the demand for cheap coffee leaves many farmers with limited options.
2. Hope Never Dies – Or Never Should
During my journey through Brazil, I also attended the Summit Empreendedoras do Café 2023. This is a conference organized by women in the coffee industry—mainly female farmers. Some of these women took over their parents’ farms after they had almost given up due to unprofitability. But the women refused to lose hope. The conference covered topics such as sustainability, quality improvement, marketing, and optimizing the coffee value chain. Overall, it was about innovation and transformation through knowledge.
3. Brazilian Coffee Is Diverse
Brazil is vast, and just as its culture is diverse, so is the climate in its coffee-growing regions. A large portion of the coffee we drink comes from Brazil, with most coffee beans originating from Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and surrounding areas. However, I also met coffee farmers who grow coffee far in the north of the country. Their farms are part of the Amazon region and have a completely different climate. As a result, different varieties and flavors can be discovered here. This is yet another reason to promote transparency and trace the exact origin of coffee down to the region or even the farm.
Conclusion on Brazilian Coffee
Brazil has not only earned the title of the world’s largest coffee producer but also a permanent place in the hearts of coffee lovers worldwide. Coffee from this fascinating country impresses not only with its quantity but also with its quality and diversity. Sustainable coffee cultivation, the promotion of fair working conditions, and the wide range of coffee varieties are just a few reasons why Brazilian coffee is highly valued. So take the time to explore the flavors and traditions, and treat yourself to a cup of Brazilian coffee that is more than just a drink—it is a piece of Brazilian culture and joy.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Brazilian Coffee
Sources
- https://www.ico.org/prices/po-production.pdf
