For CNA president, the focus on production quality is reinventing Brazilian coffee

At the opening of the International Coffee Week (SIC), this Wednesday (21/09), at Expominas, in Belo Horizonte, (MG), the president of the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA), João Martins, stated that good production practices are reinventing Brazilian coffee. “Despite the difficulties, the sustainable production of quality coffee has been a priority for the producer and the sector”, he noted.

The fourth edition of the largest coffee meeting in Brazil brings together coffee growers, roasters, businesspeople, exporters and baristas, until Friday (23/09), to debate topics such as market, consumption, techniques and innovations, in addition to providing new business between producer and buyer. “This event is another opportunity to exchange knowledge and promote Brazilian coffee”, highlighted the president of CNA. “Initiatives have promoted regional development and the appreciation of the product, such as geographical indications and designations of origin, which are gaining ground in the market and have contributed to improving the producer's income,” he said.

The importance of the coffee sector for the country, especially for the state of Minas Gerais, was highlighted on the first day. According to the National Supply Company (Conab), the country is expected to harvest, in the 2016/2017 harvest, 49,6 million bags, with Minas Gerais responsible for 59% of production, with 29 million bags. “It’s a fantastic result that shows the opportunities, the strength, the strength of our sector, and that doesn’t need words about its statistics in terms of income, employment and exports”, commented the president of the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of Minas Gerais (FAEMG), Roberto Simões.

The representative of Café Editora, Caio Alonso Fontes, said that despite this being a year of challenges for Brazil, when it comes to economic issues, both the fair and the coffee market showed expansion, positioning themselves in a dynamic and innovative way. “SIC grew 10% in the number of exhibitors and we estimate that visitation will surpass last year's, something around 14% in these three days”, explained Fontes.

For the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Minas Gerais, João Cruz Reis Filho, coffee has the role of bringing people together around the table, the cup, the wood stove, and this approach is understood by everyone those involved in the chain. “We need to put Brazilian coffee in its rightful place in the world. Today, we are the basis for quality coffees, but we still need to add value to match prices”, he emphasized.

SIC's programming includes meetings, seminars, courses, competitions, cupping (coffee tasting), which will be divided into three thematic axes: Market and Consumption, Knowledge and Innovation, Business and Entrepreneurship. This year, two themes gained prominence: sustainability, a strong point among national producers at all levels (environmental, economic and social), and the opportunities presented in the specialty coffee segment, a reality throughout the world.

International Coffee Week has been taking place since 2013, in Minas Gerais, the largest producing state in the country. The main objective is to develop the Brazilian market and disseminate the quality of national coffees to domestic consumers and purchasing countries, in addition to enhancing the economic and social results of the sector.