The Specialty Coffee Expo held in Chicago was a showcase for displaying Brazilian innovation in the coffee sector. The products presented at the event are part of a digital platform regarding their specific Geographic Indications (GIs). This technology was introduced by Instituto CNA, in cooperation with the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI) and the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE).
Although still under development, participants actively used the digital platform during the fair. It ensures the quality and origin of specialty Brazilian coffees through an all-encompassing traceability system. Currently, Brazil has 14 GIs registered, with 9 Indications of Origin (IPs) and 5 Denominations of Origin (DOs). These labels help preserve the unique aspects of coffee produced in specific Brazilian regions, ensuring that consumers buy and enjoy a product that is not just special but also of guaranteed quality.
At the Expo, coffee lovers had the chance to interact directly with the new technologies. QR codes on packaging allowed visitors to access detailed information about the coffee’s production region, including multimedia content in English, such as videos and photos, enriching their understanding and appreciation of Brazilian coffee.
Marina Zimmermann, a technical advisor at the Instituto CNA, highlighted the significance of the platform: “This tool is not only about showcasing Brazilian coffee but also about providing a robust system for verifying the authenticity and quality of our coffee, which adds considerable value for producers and consumers alike.”
The platform’s development is part of a larger initiative launched in 2023 to promote Brazilian coffee globally. It includes a strategic partnership involving several stakeholders in the Brazilian coffee industry, designed to enhance communication and marketing efforts for these specialty coffees internationally.
The success of Brazilian coffees at the Specialty Coffee Expo has set a promising outlook for the future of this digital platform, which is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2024. It represents a major step forward in Brazil’s effort to strengthen its position as a leading coffee producer on the world stage, implementing innovative technologies to ensure quality and sustainability.
Brazilian coffee
Coffee is the Brazilian agricultural product with the highest number of GIs. Due to the country’s topographical and climatic diversity, coffee species from each producing origin have different and unique aspects that do not exist in any other producing nation. The final product and its different textures, aromas, acidity levels, sweetness, and scent notes reflect the diversity of Brazilian regions.
Like all Brazilian production activities, the coffee chain is also deeply rooted in strict environmental legislation, which ensures forest preservation and the conscious use of water. These measures show that Brazil produces some of the most sustainable coffee in the world.