The Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) will launch a new initiative to develop direct trade relationships between buyers and sellers of Brazil's specialty coffees at the 8th annual Espaço Café Brasil event in September. The cupping exchange will allow coffee buyers from around the world to taste a wide selection of available coffees while meeting in person with the farmers behind them.
The concept, spearheaded by the BSCA and funded by small business development agency SEBRAE, will put international buyers in direct contact with farmers who may otherwise not have access to overseas specialty markets. Similarly, the event offers the international buying community an opportunity to meet new potential supplier-partners in person and sample over 100 fresh crop coffees at one convenient location. “This effort will be a win-win opportunity for both our farmers and international visitors,” said BSCA Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira in a statement. “Brazil is a large country with numerous coffee farms, many of which are off-the-radar of the international buying community,” Ms. Nogueira said. “We believe bringing all parties together in one place and allowing them to do business on their own terms will help to foster new relationships that will benefit buyers and sellers alike for years to come.” Cuppings and producer meetings will be conducted daily during the operating hours of the 8th annual Espaço Café Brasil in Belo Horizonte, September 9th-12th 2013.
The event, part of International Coffee Week in Belo Horizonte, is the largest annual coffee exposition in the world's largest coffee producing country. Other events at the same location include the 2013 Brazilian Barista Championship, Coffee of the Year Competition, International Conference on Arabica Naturals and 'pre-selection' or preliminary round of cupping of the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition for Brazil's early harvest contest.