Brazil's Impressive Inroads in the Specialty Coffee Markets

As a major coffee producing country, Brazil accounts for an estimated 25% of the world's coffee supply. Of this percentage, about 80% is Arabica beans. Due to the high emphasis on quantity over quality for a long time, Brazilian coffee has been generally considered suitable primarily for blending purposes. However, this is changing.
Brazil is making impressive inroads in the Specialty Coffee markets. Brazil is increasing its production of Specialty Coffees through coffee varietals such as Bourbon, Typica, Caturra and Mundo Novo. These varietals grow primarily in the state of Parana, Espirito Santos, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Bahia.
• Many varietals have developed from the Typica base varietal. Typica Coffee has an excellent cup quality but a very low production.
• Bourbon Coffee varietal produces about 20% to 30% more coffee than Typica Coffee. The Bourbon cup is excellent and this varietal grows very well at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 6,500 feet.
• Caturra is a mutation of Coffee Bourbon that was identified in Brazil. Although its quality is high, this varietal is more expensive to cultivate and fertilize than other varietals.
• Mundo Novo is a hybrid between Typica and Bourbon Coffees. Mundo Novo is disease resistant and yields a high production.
An example of Specialty Coffee beans is "Brazilian Santos Bourbon." Historically, these Arabica coffee plants were brought to the island of Bourbon (known as the Island of Reunion today). Brazilian Santos Bourbon coffee plants grow in the eastern hills of São Paulo state, near the port of Santos.
• Brazilian Santos Bourbon is a light bodied coffee, with low acidity, a pleasing aroma and a mild, smooth flavor.
• Growing elevations in Brazil range from 2000 to 4000 feet.
• In contrast to bigger and brighter coffees grown at elevations above 5000 feet typical of Central America, Brazilian Santos Bourbon is a coffee low in acidity, exhibiting soft and more subtle characteristics.
The Port of Santos is a very important one in Brazil. The exportation of coffee from Port of Santos gave rise to the city's development and establishment as a major point of commerce.
• Santos has a tropical rainforest climate with no real dry season. It is partially located on the island of São Vicente, which harbors both the city of Santos and the city of São Vicente, and partially on the mainland.
• In addition to coffee exports, the Port of Santos handles other major Brazilian exports such as steel, oil, cars, bananas, cotton, and citrus fruits to name just a few.
• A historical and tourist attraction worth visiting is the Coffee Museum where coffee prices were negotiated.
Ready for a nice cup of Brazilian Santos Bourbon?
Author Bio: Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
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