Brazil – Opal Coffee

Brazil, South America

Coffee production in Brazil is responsible for about a third of all coffee – making Brazil by far the world’s largest producer. Coffee plantations covering some 27,000 km² (10,000 sq mi), are mainly located in the Southeastern states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Paraná where the environment and climate provide ideal growing conditions.

History of coffee in Brazil

Coffee was introduced to Brazil in the 18th Century when Francisco de Melo Palheta brought coffee seedlings from French Guiana, with the first coffee plantation established in Rio De Janeiro in 1770. Initially grown for local use, coffee cultivation expanded southward to Rio de Janeiro and later other southeastern regions. During the 19th century, coffee became Brazil’s main export, fuelling economic growth and earning enormous wealth for landowners. By the mid-1800s, Brazil was already the world’s top producer and remained so through the late 20th century into today.

The coffee sector remains a cornerstone of agribusiness in Brazil, with ongoing technological and specialty coffee development enhancing quality and diversity.

Common Arabica varieties:

Yellow and Red Catuai, Mundo Novo, Catucaí, Topázio to name a few

Key growing regions:

Sul de Minas (Minas Gerais), Cerrado Mineiro (Minas Gerais), Mogiana (São Paulo/Minas border), Matas de Minas (Minas Gerais)

Harvest months:

Sul de Minas: April – September | Cerrado Mineiro: May – September | Mogiana: April – September | Matas de Minas: April – September