Producer: Barbosa Family
Region: Cerrado Mineiro
Altitude: 1,045-1100m above sea level
Varietals: Yellow Catuai
The Barbosa family, a truly Brazilian, family-owned company, has thrived with a clear mission: to foster the sustainable growth of the Cerrado Mineiro region through the production of exceptional, sustainable coffees. Their farming legacy spans back to the 1900s. The tradition of producing coffee was passed down from Danilo's great-grandfather Elias Barbosa to his son Claudio Barbosa de Paula, and then to Danilo's father, Jairo Barbosa de Paula.
In 1979, it was Danilo's turn to spearhead the Barbosa family business. Following in their ancestor's footsteps, Danilo's wife Imaculada Barbosa and sons Vitor Marcelo and Sergio Ricardo work together on their farms, keeping their passion alive generation after generation. Their extended family is also involved in the business, making a day in the office feel like a natural extension of their homes.
Over the decades, they have relentlessly sought to perfect their craft, incorporating the most advanced technologies available to unlock the full potential of this unique terroir in coffee production. By adopting outstanding coffee varieties and cutting edge technology, the Barbosa family quickly realized that they were producing something truly unique. In 2018, Danilo lead the family business through a pivotal moment in their journey, shifting their focus to producing specialty coffees, a move that underscored their adaptability and innovation. An essential part of this new journey and a merit of Danilo's vision was working closely with Deyvid Leandro, another local producer with over 20 years of experience in coffee production but a focus on Q-grading, quality control, and fermentation processes.
This transition was successful immediately, with their coffees reaching prominent positions in competitions and awards from the very first harvest. Their excellence was further recognized when they became the Brazilian Champions of the Cup of Excellence in 2021 and 2024, the highest recognition in coffee competitions, a testament to their dedication and innovation.
Located in the prestigious Cerrado Mineiro Region, the world's first Designation of Origin for coffee, the Barbosa Family production units are at the core of excellence. This origin is recognized for its unparalleled coffee quality, cutting-edge technology application, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. It's no wonder that this region is the largest certified area on the planet, bearing witness to their commitment to the finest coffee possible.
The Barbosa family farms encompass a total area of 3,322 hectares, with 983 hectares dedicated to coffee production. They have over 1,000 hectares of natural reserves, and this balance between production and protected areas not only ensures a consistent supply of exceptional coffees but also reflects the family’s deep commitment to environmental preservation. All their natural reserve areas are duly legalized and certified, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
The Cerrado region, the newest of three major Brazilian growing regions, has been building in reputation and production over the last few decades. Located in the heart of Brazil, it is renowned for its unique and highquality coffee production. Spanning across the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, this region covers an extensive area characterized by its tropical savanna climate.
The consistent weather patterns, marked by distinct dry and wet seasons, create an ideal environment for coffee cultivation. The region's altitude, ranging from 800 to 1,300 meters above sea level, combined with well-defined seasons, contributes to the development of coffee beans with distinct and desirable flavour profiles. These conditions result in beans that are often noted for their sweetness, balanced acidity, and complex aromas, making Cerrado Mineiro coffees highly sought after in the specialty coffee market.
For over 150 years, Brazil has been the world’s largest coffee producer, supplying nearly a third of the world's coffee. The single state of Minas Gerais alone produces more coffee than any other entire country. The country's diverse climate and vast geographical expanse provide ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. From the high altitudes of Minas Gerais to the rolling hills of São Paulo and the lush landscapes of Espírito Santo, Brazil's coffee growing regions each contribute unique characteristics to the nation's coffee profile. This diversity allows Brazil to produce a wide range of coffee types, including Arabica and Robusta, catering to different taste preferences and market demands.
Brazilian coffee is often celebrated for its smooth, enjoyable flavour, with notes of chocolate, nuts, and balanced acidity, making it a favourite among both consumers and roasters worldwide. What truly distinguishes Brazil as a coffee-producing powerhouse is its commitment to innovation and sustainability in coffee farming. The country has pioneered numerous advancements in coffee cultivation, processing, and logistics, ensuring high-quality production while addressing environmental and social challenges.
Brazilian coffee farms, ranging from small family-owned estates to large plantations, often employ state-of-the-art techniques in irrigation, harvesting, and processing, resulting in consistent and superior specialty green coffee. Additionally, Brazil's robust coffee cooperatives and associations provide crucial support to farmers, promoting best practices and sustainable development. This integrated approach not only boosts the quality and quantity of coffee produced but also enhances the livelihoods of coffee-growing communities, reinforcing Brazil's position as a leader in the global coffee industry.
