Origin
Carmo de Minas, Brazil
Carmo de Minas, located in the Mantiqueira de Minas sub-region of Minas Gerais, stands as one of Brazil's most prestigious coffee-producing areas, holding a Protected Geographical Indication since 2011. Nestled within the Mantiqueira mountain range, the region is renowned for its mineral springs and biodiversity, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 metres above sea level. Coffee cultivation here dates back to the 19th century. However, Carmo de Minas solidified its reputation as a premium specialty origin in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as producers prioritised quality over quantity.
The Cocarive Cooperative, established in 1961, played a pivotal role in organising farmers and establishing the infrastructure and quality standards that define the region today. Producers from Mantiqueira de Minas have garnered over 358 awards at Brazil's Cup of Excellence, including the highest scores ever recorded for Brazilian coffee. The region is now considered the benchmark for premium naturally processed lots in the country.
The volcanic soils, combined with summer rains and cool winter nights, create ideal conditions for developing sweetness and flavour complexity in the cherries, supporting the region's exceptional natural processing tradition.