ORIGIN TRIP: BRAZIL
Visiting farms, communities & people in Brazil
VISITING ORIGIN
We believe in the importance of knowing where our coffee comes from. Our connection to the origins of our beans is more than just a business practice; it's a heartfelt commitment. We know the people who grow our coffee, and we understand the dedication and hard work that goes into transforming a seed on their farm into the cup of coffee you enjoy every day. This deep respect for the entire process is why we responsibly source our coffee – it's all about the people.
Our Director of Coffee, Ray, and Head Roaster, Matthew, recently embarked on an inspiring journey to Brazil. They met with some of our long-term partners as well as new farms we're excited to work with. Their adventure included everything from riding big machinery to sharing dinners with local farmers and even getting caught in a cattle grate. These trips are always filled with unforgettable moments, fun, and valuable learning experiences. Ray and Matthew returned with renewed passion and a deeper appreciation for the people and places behind our coffee.
Below, you’ll find some highlights from the incredible places they visited. We hope these snapshots give you a glimpse into the vibrant world of coffee growing and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.
rio brilhante
Ray and Matthew visited one of the largest farms in Brazil with 1600 hectares dedicated to coffee production (almost 4,000 acres!) and another 700 to the production of cotton, soy, corn, beans, wheat and tomatoes. This is where our coffee “Rio Brilhante” comes from.
Their impact goes past farming. They support many local social programs, like local schools, open-air libraries, and "Seeds of Change" being the biggest- providing classes to employees and their families.
The climate in this region is perfect for harvesting, so 80% of their harvest is naturally processed. They use a big machine called a colheitadeira (harvester), which the guys got to take a turn on!
villa boa
Matthew and Ray embarked on a journey to Fazenda Villa Boa nestled in the heart of Campos das Vertentes. This historic farm, aptly named “watershed fields” for its strategic position between two vital hydrographic plains, boasts over a century of legacy and is currently under the stewardship of the Borges family.
Distinguished for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Fazenda Villa Boa stands on the belief of environmental stewardship. It is among the select few in the nation to achieve carbon-neutral certification, a testament to its pioneering efforts. By absorbing more carbon than it emits through harvesting and processing practices, the farm not only safeguards its pristine surroundings but also champions keeping the climate the same on a regional scale.
Matthew and Ray were immersed in one unforgettable experience after another during their visit. From shared meals to witnessing the vibrant community theater musical born from the farm’s social programs, and getting their rental car stuck in a cattle grate…in the mountain back rounds…in a cloud of dust….in the dark. Safe to say it was a memorable trip!
carmo coffee
At this farm, The Gustavo Penna Arquiteto e Associados building won Building of the Year award in Industrial Architecture (seen top left). Its intricacies and intentionality reflect the facility it represents. This is one of four facilities set up to help the hundreds of Brazilian coffee farms they collaborate with daily. Carmo Coffees embodies a commitment to empowerment, extending vital resources to smaller producers who otherwise may struggle to thrive independently.
Their biggest accomplishment is completely changing the coffee-producing concept in the region. Shifting away from sheer volume, their focus now centers on innovation across post-harvest processes, cultivation of specific varieties, and pioneering fermentation techniques. This unwavering dedication to refining the process, rather than merely maximizing output, has paved the way for struggling farmers to access fair-trade markets, elevating both their livelihoods and the global appreciation for Brazilian coffee.
