Single Origin: Brazil
The Pereira family has been cultivating coffee in Carmo de Minas since 1979. When they began managing the 215-hectare Fazenda Santa Ines, it was already planted with coffee. However, they chose to introduce new varieties and modernize their farming methods to enhance quality and productivity. At that time, the Carmo de Minas region faced significant quality issues. To address this, the family enlisted experts, implemented new harvesting and processing techniques, and adopted the latest agricultural technology. These efforts have led to Santa Ines' coffee gaining recognition in both regional and national competitions. Notably, in 2005, a sample from Fazenda Santa Ines won first place in the Cup of Excellence Brazil with a record-breaking score of 95.85.
The farm cultivates Catucai, Yellow and Red Catuai, Yellow and Red Bourbon, and Acaia on approximately 100 hectares, while the remaining land is used for bananas, corn, and dairy cows. Annual coffee production is around 4,000 bags. The family states, "In Carmo, soil and climatic conditions are favorable to the coffee. It is what French people call 'terroir,' and our region is doing its homework; we are on the right way. Now we can only expect better times."
Farm: Santa Ines
Region: Minas Gerais
Altitude: 900-1050 MASL
Variety: Yellow Bourbon
Process: Natural
Notes: Brown sugar, pecan, caramel
Program: Yellow Bourbon Natural - Fazenda Santa Ines - Yellow Bourbon
The Yellow Bourbon program emerged after one of our first major decisions to pay a premium far above the standard rate for Brazilian coffee in the 90s, which was a bold move at the time. The quality was undeniable. In those early days, we tasted a distinct sweet chocolate orange flavor that was unique for Brazilian coffee. Recognizing the market's demand for an elevated Brazilian option, we developed this program in collaboration with our partners. These coffees are generally of higher quality than standard Brazils and are traceable to specific farms and varieties. We select for distinct fruit characteristics, sweet, mild nuttiness, and chocolate flavors.
A social premium is included in the purchase of these coffees, which directly funds CriaCarmo, a youth initiative established by CarmoCoffees, our export partner in Carmo de Minas. This initiative aims to provide social, educational, and athletic opportunities to at-risk youth in the region. Cafe Imports has supported this project since 2013 with owner-equity donations and collaborates with CarmoCoffees on an annual coffee lot priced to benefit CriaCarmo. The participating youth, primarily from local coffee-producing families, engage in activities such as karate, soccer, and chess lessons.
Photo & Content Credit: Cafe Imports