Cafeina Lot, Brazil

In the heart of Três Pontas, Sul de Minas, the Cocatrel Cooperative has long stood as one of Brazil’s leading hubs of coffee production. This year, a new initiative took root within the cooperative: the Caféina Group, created to support and elevate the women who make up 21% of its membership. Today, over 1,150 women producers are part of Caféina, gathering every two months to share knowledge, strengthen their skills, and ensure their voices are represented in the cooperative’s decision making. Their collective effort is reshaping the future of coffee in the region, placing visibility and opportunity at the forefront for women in coffee.

This pulped natural lot comes from two Caféina members: Jacqueline (Jaja) Nascimento of Fazenda Zaroca and Flaviane Botrel of Fazenda Matão.

Fazenda Matão, more than a century old, spans 450 hectares with 300 dedicated to coffee. Under Flaviane’s leadership, the farm has pursued continuous improvements in quality, focusing on specialty production through careful agronomy and innovative practices.

Fazenda Zaroca, run by Jaja and her husband Gilberto, covers 154 hectares with about 6,000 bags produced annually. Due to the hilly topography, 60% of the harvest is still collected by hand, ensuring careful selection of cherries. Jaja and Gilberto prioritize plant nutrition and staff training to refine quality year after year. Their efforts bore fruit in 2018 when Fazenda Zaroca placed 1st in Brazil’s prestigious Cup of Excellence in their first ever competition entry, and 19th internationally. Jaja’s connection to the land runs deep, extending back to childhood days spent playing in coffee fields alongside her brother, the celebrated musician Milton “Bituca” Nascimento.

The coffee itself is Topázio, a Brazilian variety known for its balance and sweetness. Harvested by machine, the cherries are pulped to remove nearly all of the mucilage before being dried on patios for 7 to 10 days, with regular turning to ensure even drying. After a resting period of 30 days, the coffee is hulled and delivered to the cooperative.