Brazilian coffee growers cooperative Expocacer has completed its first shipment of coffee via sailing ship.
The shipment, equivalent to 1596 sixty-kilogram coffee bags – the equivalent of five containers – was loaded onto the sail cargo vessel Artemis bound for Europe.
In a statement, the cooperative said this marks an unprecedented milestone in sustainable logistics of the coffee supply chain.
Recently constructed in France, the Artemis is said to operate with virtually no carbon emissions. It is powered by solar and wind energy and uses a combustion engine only when insufficient wind is available to propel the vessel.
This project is the result of a partnership between Expocacer, Seaforte, FAFCoffees, Belco, and TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT). This advanced logistics model is designed to reduce carbon emissions and meet the growing global demand for sustainable production chains.
The Artemis carries Controlled-Origin coffees, 100 per cent produced by Expocacer’s members within the designated area of the Cerrado Mineiro Designation of Origin for product traceability and authenticity.
“By adopting innovative practices, we help the coffee ecosystem thrive, fostering regenerative ideas and transparent dialogue connected to the future of both the planet and its people,” says Simão Pedro de Lima, CEO of Expocacer.
The Artemis measures 81 meters in length and 12 meters in width and is estimated to complete its journey to France in 20 days with a crew of at least eight members.
Headquartered in Patrocínio, Minas Gerais, Expocacer supports more than 740 members and promotes regional economic development, boasting infrastructure with warehouses capable of storing over one million coffee bags. Expocacer exports to over 35 countries across five continents.
