Sancoffee
Sancoffee is collective of coffee growers deeply rooted in Campos das Vertentes, in the heart of Minas Gerais state. They believe in empowering farmers, to enable higher quality and consistency of their coffee, and keep their focus on sustainability and fostering lasting relationships with members of the cooperative and beyond.
Newly christened with a geographical indication in Brazil, Campos das Vertentes (meaning “watershed fields”) is reputed for its abundance of water, fertile soils, and a rich agricultural tradition, specifically with coffee growing. This micro-climate is perfectly suited for growing excellent coffee, and production in the area can be traced as far back as 1860. Sancoffee began with Fazenda Samambaia, a farm run since 1993 by Henrique Dias Cambraia. In 2000, Cambraia founded the collective with other producers in Campos das Vertnetes to promote higher quality and emerge as a force in specialty coffee. Since the beginning, Fazenda Samambaia and its partners have led the way with innovative farming and post-harvest practices, and haven’t shied away from experimentation, be it with new varieties, or in processing methods. This collective produces some of the best coffees we can find in Brazil, and it’s a privilege to be able to partner with them.
“Years ago I bought Fazenda São Paulo as a form of investment in agriculture. Today I feel enormous satisfaction in providing work for hundreds of families, bringing development to their lives and to the region.” - José Carlos Cepera
Owned/operated by José Carlos Cepera since the early 1980s, and coming to us from our trusted partners at Sancoffee, Fazenda São Paulo represents what coffee quality can do to change the lives of those who produce it. Although the farm’s focus is not only on coffee, it is now a prominent activity of their business, with over 800 hectares dedicated to our favorite crop. With adept farm management, extensive use of technology, and a commitment to quality, São Paulo has received many accolades, including the 2015 Brazil Cup of Excellence in the naturals competition; they’re even Rainforest Alliance Certified!
Cepera has built a sustainable and long-lasting operation, which provides meaningful employment and quality of life to the people who work there. These are the type of producers who inspire us every day, and who we must support to continue coffee’s positive impact on the world.
