Brazilian Caxambu Arara a honey processed coffee

This Brazilian Caxambu is sourced via Marunic Trading.

Brazil: The Global Coffee Powerhouse

Brazil stands as the world’s leading producer of numerous crops, particularly coffee. It dominates Arabica production, while Vietnam now surpasses it in canephora (or robusta) output. However, Brazil’s influence on global coffee prices remains unmatched.

The origins of Brazil’s coffee industry trace back to the early 1700s, with the legend of Francisco de Melo Palheta, who allegedly planted the first coffee trees in the Para region. Although the story may be partly mythical, coffee’s significance grew as cultivation spread southward. Commercial production began near the Paraiba River, close to Rio de Janeiro. Large-scale farms industrialized rapidly, propelling Brazil to global leadership. By the 1830s, Brazil supplied 30% of the world’s coffee, a figure that soared to 80% by the 1920s. Despite setbacks from the Great Depression and World Wars, Brazil remains a dominant force, currently producing around 30% of the world’s coffee.

Caxambu

Caxambu Farm, a century-old family estate in Minas Gerais, Brazil, exemplifies a rich legacy of coffee production, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. Inherited by Ivone and Francisco José, the farm began with coffee cultivation and milk production, later expanding to include Aracaçu Farm. Today, the third generation manages the 211-hectare estate, with 120 hectares dedicated to coffee, while preparing the fifth generation to carry forward this tradition.

The farm’s name, Caxambu, meaning “music box” in African tradition, reflects its deep cultural roots. This heritage inspires the production of Afro Honey Coffee, a unique specialty coffee processed in barrels to the rhythm of African drums. Situated at altitudes of 930 to 1,150 meters, the farm’s lush plantations produce high-quality coffee with distinctive sensory profiles, meeting the demands of global markets.

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability lies at the heart of Caxambu’s operations. The farm integrates agro-ecological practices, maintains over 60 hectares of preserved areas, and prioritises soil recovery. Additionally, the family spearheads environmental initiatives like the Clean Path Campaign, which educates communities on proper waste disposal, and A Day to Plant, an annual event where employees and their families plant trees to expand ecological corridors.

Innovation drives Caxambu’s success. An Experimental Field tests 93 coffee varieties to enhance quality and productivity, while the bold “Coffee Garden” project blends exotic coffee varieties with sacred geometry in a holistic, transdisciplinary approach. Quality control remains rigorous, with sensory evaluations conducted in the “House of Sensations” to ensure excellence.

Through its commitment to cultural preservation, environmental care, and innovative practices, Caxambu Farm stands as a model of sustainable agriculture. It not only produces exceptional coffee but also fosters a legacy of respect for nature and community, ensuring its impact endures for generations to come.

Brazilian Caxambu

This coffee is an excellent example of specialty Brazilian coffee. In the cup, we detected brown sugar, Brazil nuts and roasted nuts to finish.

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Starting brews:

Brew Method	Ratio		Brew Method	Ratio
Espresso	1:2.1 (26 sec)		AeroPress	18g:200g (2 steep)
Plunger	48g:800g		Pour over/filter	18g:300g

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Transparency Information

Sourced from	Sourced via Marunic Trading.
FOB price	not disclosed by Marunic
Cupping score	86 (Marunic)
Producer / Organisation	Carmen Lucia
Lot size bought	10 x 30kg bags
Relationship	We have been working with Marunic for 9 years, this is our third coffee from Caxambu.

Sources:

• fazendacaxambu.com.br