Brazil Cerrado

The history of coffee cultivation in Cerrado, Minas Gerais, traces back to the 1970s, and it has since become a pivotal player in the coffee industry. One of the defining features of Cerrado's coffee plantations is the prevalence of clay-rich soil, fostering a unique terroir that influences the coffee's flavour. The region's topography is ideally suited for the mechanisation of coffee cultivation, a critical factor contributing to consistently high production yields and a well-balanced cup profile. The coffee plants in Cerrado flourish at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1300 meters, creating a diverse landscape for coffee production. This coffee consistently follows the natural processing method, often referred to as "unwashed," which is the predominant post-harvest processing approach in Brazil, contributing to the coffee's distinctive character and quality. In the heart of Minas Gerais, the world's largest coffee-producing state by volume, the Cerrado region encompasses approximately 210,000 hectares of coffee farms, accounting for an impressive 12.7% of Brazil's total coffee production. These farms span a wide spectrum, from small family-owned estates to sprawling plantations that stretch over thousands of hectares. The relatively flat terrain and altitude provide an ideal environment for applying various industrial techniques, such as irrigation and mechanical harvesting. This high level of automation during harvesting, combined with stable conditions for fruit maturation on the trees, empowers producers to maintain consistent quality year after year. They can invest in new processing methods, experiment with different coffee varieties, and enhance storage resources, all contributing to Cerrado coffee's exceptional and reliable quality.