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Introduction:
At Kai Coffee, we’re always searching for exceptional coffees that offer something unique yet approachable. Lately, we’ve had many requests for a simple, chocolaty coffee with a good body—something that’s satisfying but not too adventurous. When we came across the Brazil Donas Do Cafe Initiative coffee, we knew it was exactly what you’ve been asking for. While it works wonders in our blends, it truly shines as a stand-alone single origin. And the story behind it is just as special as the taste.
The project is completely owned and run by women. The name literally means "Women of coffee." This project highlights the contributions of women in coffee farming, fostering knowledge exchange and supporting female producers in the industry. These women are deeply involved in every aspect of coffee production, from planting and harvesting to management and negotiations, ensuring the highest quality specialty coffees.
Our featured producers include:
- Graziela Castro from Fazenda 9 de Julho in Altinópolis, who continues her family’s legacy of sustainable, high-quality coffee production.
- Cleissimara and Jéssica Betti from Sítio Maranhão in the Sul de Minas region, dedicated to improving post-harvest practices and producing exceptional coffee.
- Andreia Oliveira from Fazenda Canta Galo, who carries on her grandparents' coffee-growing traditions with meticulous attention to every step of the process.
- Idivanea Araújo from Juruaia, striving to bring her family’s carefully cultivated coffee to international markets.
These women lead with passion, expertise, and a commitment to producing the finest specialty coffees, while shaping the future of coffee culture.
From The Importer:
SMC Specialty Coffees, based in Guaxupé, Minas Gerais, was established in 2009 and works closely with Cooxupé, Brazil’s largest private coffee cooperative founded in 1957. Cooxupé boasts over 17,000 members, and its lab evaluates around 6,300 coffee samples each day. When a standout lot is identified, SMC carefully processes it at their private mill to preserve its exceptional quality.
Beyond this collaboration, SMC directly partners with small family farmers in the specialty coffee sector, fostering transparent relationships and offering technical guidance to enhance production. They also document the stories of these farms and develop projects that create new business opportunities for the growers.
A standout initiative by SMC is *Donas do Café* ("Ladies of Coffee"), designed to support and empower women coffee producers. These women not only own their farms but are actively involved in decision-making around farming, production, management, and finances. SMC believes that the success of women strengthens the entire community. Through regular meetings, the women share knowledge on market trends, agricultural advancements, and harvesting techniques, all guided by an expert agronomist.
The Donas do Café lots, composed of blends from various small-scale producers, result in a sweet, clean coffee with lively acidity. Launched in 2020, the initiative began with virtual meetings during the pandemic and has since evolved into a thriving in-person program, creating strong partnerships and promoting the growth of women in the coffee industry.
Cupping Notes:
Dark Chocolate, Caramel, Apple
Country: Brazil
Region: Minas Gerais
Farm: Various Small Holders
Variety: Bourbon, Caturra Varieties
Altitude: 800-1200 masl
Processing Method: Natural