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Back From Brazil

At 34 times the size of the UK, Brazil is big. But it’s big in terms of coffee too - the world’s largest producer, in fact. Coffee buyer Hannah flew out there during the harvest of the 2009/10 crop to catch up with our main suppliers.

First stop was Exportadora Guaxupe, a family-owned exporter based in the rolling hills of Minas Gerais. This company is the 9th largest exporter in the whole country, and we use their coffee to add essential body and balance to lots of our blends, including Café Brasilia and Espresso. Despite their traditional charm these farms are very forward-thinking and professionally run, with high yields achieved in many sectors of the farms.

Hannah also visited Coopervitae and Coopfam, both of whom supply Fairtrade coffee for our rich and smooth Brazil Rio Valleys. This gave her the chance to see firsthand how two important suppliers have used the Fairtrade premiums we pay.

Coopervitae have put theirs towards many local institutions, helping several schools and hospitals. Coopfam have supported a number of local projects, from computer rooms and dental treatment plans, to tree planting schemes and healthy eating initiatives – an impressively pro-active strategy.

“It’s easy to see why Coopfam was recognised as one of the best cooperatives in the whole of Brazil last year in terms of its commitment to social responsibility,” says Hannah. “Such projects go a long way not only to improve conditions but also to strengthen our relationships with our suppliers. People spoke of Taylors as a long-term partner, not just a buyer.”

As ever, these visits were extremely useful, proving that there’s no better way to build relationships than face-to-face discussions.