The History of Specialty Coffee in Brazil
Brazil’s journey with coffee began over 300 years ago, and what started as a commodity crop has evolved into a vibrant specialty industry. Today, Brazil is not just the world’s largest producer of coffee, but a key player in the specialty scene, known for quality, innovation, and diversity of flavor. But how did we get here?
Early Days: Coffee Takes Root in Brazil
Coffee was introduced to Brazil in the early 1700s, reportedly by Portuguese colonists who brought seedlings from French Guiana. The tropical climate and fertile soil proved ideal for cultivation, and by the 1800s, coffee had become a major economic engine, particularly in the Southeast.
By the mid-19th century, Brazil had risen to become the world’s top coffee producer, a title it still holds. For much of its history, however, the focus was on volume. Coffee was grown and exported on a massive scale, primarily for the commodity market, with little attention paid to flavor distinctions or origin traceability.
The Shift Toward Quality
The specialty coffee movement gained traction globally in the 1970s and 1980s, as consumers in markets like the U.S., Europe, and Japan began demanding higher quality and transparency in their cup. Brazil began to respond in the 1990s.
The founding of the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) in 1991 marked a key milestone. Its mission was to promote Brazilian specialty coffee and help producers reach international markets through education, certifications, and competitions.
At the same time, producers started experimenting with post-harvest processes, microlots, and direct trade models. The development of regional identities such as those of Sul de Minas, Cerrado Mineiro, and Chapada Diamantina, allowed farmers to differentiate their coffees by terroir and flavor.
Recognition on the Global Stage
Programs like Cup of Excellence, first held in Brazil in 1999, helped put Brazilian specialty coffee on the global map. These competitions reward top-quality lots and pay high premiums to producers, encouraging investment in quality.
Brazilian coffees are now featured in coffee shops, roasteries, and competitions worldwide, thanks to a growing focus on sustainability, farm-level traceability, and innovation.
Explore our curated selection of Brazilian specialty coffees — sourced from traceable farms, available spot in NJ, CA, TX, FL, and AB (Canada). Choose from full 60kg bags or smaller boxes (5–70 lbs) shipped directly to you.
