A Guide to the Brazilian Specialty Coffee
Our History Minas Hill Coffee is proud to present the best that the Brazilian Specialty Coffee Industry has to offer. Our origins began 102 years ago with Francisco Brussi who was born on a coffee farm in the region that is now known as Alta Mogiana. Francisco worked on the farm as a coffee picker alongside his relatives who had just a few years before migrated from Italy. These were hard times for the family, and the coffee farm became unable to provide enough money to sustain them. At the age of 30, Francisco was gainfully employed by the Agricultural Department of Sao Paulo State as a coffee classifier, utilizing his expertise to achieve excellence in his career. Francisco remained in this position for 35 years until his retirement. Francisco was my inspiration to start a coffee enterprise in a distant land. I am proud to showcase to the Australian market why Brazil is considered one of the best countries to grow specialty coffee. Coffee farm in Sao Paulo, 1913 2
Brazil and the Specialty Coffee scene Brazil is the largest coffee producing country accounting for more than 50% of all coffee grown. It is also the largest producer of Specialty Grade coffee. The Specialty coffee sector currently accounts for close to 12% of the international coffee market. The characteristics attributed to these quality coffees depends on a wide array of factors, ranging from physical traits - origin, varieties, colour, and size - to environmental and social issues such as farming systems and working conditions for labourers. The current price of some specialty coffees is 30% to 40% above that of conventionally grown coffee. Gourmet and certified coffees can be identified by their physical and sensorial traits, such as the cup quality, which must exceed the standard quality. The main categories of specialty coffees are: Coffee with Certificates of Origin This certificate pertains to the region in which the coffee was grown, as some quality attributes are inherent to specific regions. Gourmet coffee This consists of high-quality Arabica beans with a screen size greater than 16. This product is set apart from others and is almost free of defects. (BSCA website) BSCA The Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) was founded in 1991 through the initiative of 12 producers who were ahead of their time envisioning the commercial opportunities that investing in quality would bring. It is a not-for-profit association that brings together people and companies in the internal and external specialty coffee markets, seeking to disseminate and stimulate technological improvement in the production, commercialisation and industrialisation of these products. In addition, environmental preservation and sustainable development is promoted, primarily in the coffee growing areas, through programs, projects and partnerships with public, private, domestic and foreign entities. The objective of BSCA is, through research, to introduce quality control techniques, and to promote products to elevate the standards of excellence of Brazilian coffees offered, both in 3
the internal and external markets. It is the only Brazilian institution to certify lots and monitor specialty coffee quality control seals with comprehensive tracking via individual numbering. These certifications are easily available to the consumer through the website www.bsca.com.br. Beyond Lots and Micro-lots Minas Hill Coffee is the foremost Brazilian specialty coffee supplier in Melbourne. We have brought outstanding coffees to Victoria and have nurtured partnerships between the roaster and the farmer. Consistency is the keyword in the Specialty Coffee scene and we deliver consistent quality as well as consistent supply all year round. Our 2 warehouses in Melbourne hold a good quantity of beans to supply any demand for Specialty Grade coffee. The strong partnerships we have cultured with Brazilian farmers are more cohesive than those formed with cooperatives. We share thoughts between the roasters and farmers to find solutions for specialty coffee ideas. Minas Hill Coffee focuses on this type of partnership, which gives roasters the peace of mind they need to discover new flavours. Ongoing supply Three farms, three different profiles Throughout the year Peace of mind for roasters Below our ongoing partners: Bom Jesus farm Owned by Flavia and Gabriel Oliveira and located in the heart of Alta Mogiana region on the border of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais state. The coffee produced in the region has unique characteristics and is known for quality, striking aroma, creamy velvety body, medium acidity and long aftertaste, with a caramel sweetness with dark chocolate notes. Sao Silvestre Estate is a speciality coffee producer in the Cerrado region, located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The family were one of the founders of BSCA and produced one of the first Estate Coffees in Brazil from their farm Capim Branco and Sao Silvestre which dates back to 1901. The coffees from Sao Silvestre are the pinnacle in espresso taste; dark chocolate, sweetness and a full body. 4
Camocim Organic is a 300acre property sitting at 1,100-1,400 meters above sea level. It lies between conservation areas with natural springs and rivers flowing through plantations of coffee, eucalyptus and pine. The harvest is done manually with processing performed via the pulped method and suspended terraces are used for drying. There is a sweet, fermenting smell permeating the entire farm as the juice dripping from the drying beans is collected and used as fertilizer. The coffees produced by Camocim have achieved international accreditation from the Biodynamic Institute for organic products (IBD / IFOAM certified) as well as Demeter (biodynamic) certification from the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA). Coffee from Camocim has an alive, full body, yet is delicate and juicy due to the altitude and being a pulped-natural process. Regardless the varietal, it will always amaze. Once a year supply Our supplier, Alessandro Hervaz - who happens to be the president of the Alto da Serra Association (APAS) and also our dear friend - ensures we receive a supply of a limited production from the Borges family. Around 100 bags are delivered, displaying some of the best tasting coffees of the region, all produced from socially and environmentally responsible farms. Their 5 sitios or small farms are: Sitio Pica Pau Sitio Bela Vista Sitio Pinheiro Sitio Nossa Senhora Sitio Nossa Senhora Aparecida They are located at an altitude of 1,330 metres in an area called Mantiqueira, which was recently granted a DOC or Geographic Indication of Origin certification due to the region s unique characteristics. Coffees from APAS are rich in chocolate but with a pronounced fruitiness and acidity, demonstrating the care these humble farmers devote to their crops. 5
Seasonal micro-lots As a member of BSCA, Minas Hill Coffee can obtain and supply some of the best microlots, CoEs, and regional champions to indulge the most discerning of palates. Flavia Oliveira from Bom Jesus farm Yellow Bourbon from a raised bed Minas Hill Coffee s supply structure 6
Logistics & Storage Minas Hill Coffee is able to meet all of your coffee needs. We will act as your broker, taking exceptional care of the entire process and shipping straight to your warehouse. You also have the option to store your purchased coffee in one of our warehouses and have it drawn out and delivered to you at a time that best suits your needs. Our office is in regular communication with at least 3 international shipping companies, ensuring we obtain the best possible rates for you. The modality of Direct Trade is subject to specific conditions. We prefer our current partners as our Direct Trade supplier but if you have a coffee supplier in mind we can certainly contact them and negotiate on your behalf. Certifications Farmers who are concerned with their surrounding environment show they ultimately care for both the seller and the buyer. Sustainable practises and excellent working conditions are absolutely necessary nowadays. Having certifications such as UTZ, RFA or Fair Trade is essential for the company that wishes to be in the forefront of the coffee industry. Minas Hill Coffee is FLO certified FLO number # 32353 Mission Our mission is providing Specialty Grade Coffee from Brazil, certified, connected to the farmer in a fair price, being honest, transparent and committed. 7
Producing Regions Social Media Connect to the latest news, offers and updates: Contacts: marcelo@minashill.com.au 0402 083 237 03 9939-1450 8