October 1st is International Coffee Day. In Brazil, this date means a lot. Each Brazilian coffee bean carries centuries of history and culture. It was through coffee cultivation and production that Brazil developed into the nation it is today. And it’s not by chance that the country is still the world’s largest coffee producer and exporter.
To celebrate this day, Brazilian Farmers has selected some interesting facts about Brazilian coffee. Enjoy reading along with a nice cup of coffee.
Brazilian coffee exports
Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of green coffee. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the country has led the rankings in recent years, ahead of Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Honduras.
In 2021, according to FAO, Brazil exported 2,993,780 tons of coffee to international buyers. The most recent data from the Brazilian trade balance bulletin shows that, in July 2023, coffee exports yielded US$ 581.6 million for the country, the result of 148,500 tons exported. About 90% of these exports are high-quality Arabica, a variety found in most of the best espresso blends worldwide.
Regions and Geographical Indications of Brazilian coffee
Coffee is the Brazilian agricultural product with the highest number of Geographical Indications. Currently, Brazil has 35 coffee-producing regions, 14 of which have Geographical Indication registrations. The data was released in August 2023 by the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) through the “Origins of Coffee in Brazil” map. The latest update included the Sudoeste de Minas region obtaining a Geographical Indication of Origin (GI).
The map was developed based on consultations with state and federal agencies, with delimitation by municipalities, and includes the 14 GIs recognized by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), nine of which are Indications of Origin and five of which are Designations of Origin (DOs).
Diversity and sustainability
Brazil is a country of continental dimensions. Its topographical and climatic diversity means that coffee species from each producing origin have different and unique aspects, which does not exist in any other producing nation. The diversity of regions is reflected in the final product and its different textures, aromas, levels of acidity, sweetness, and scent notes.
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.
Brazilian specialty coffee
Brazil is already a global leader in the production of green coffee, but in the last few years, there has been a growth in specialization and technology that has made Brazil a very relevant producer of specialty coffees. These are farmers who have chosen to focus on quality rather than quantity.
Today, these producers are represented by BSCA, an entity that monitors and certifies the quality of coffee production. The association also sets quality control techniques and promotes the increased excellence of Brazilian coffee in domestic and international markets.