People
In the region of Cerrado Mineiro, you will find families that have grown big through coffee production, but the story from Quintas de Guimarães is different. Based in Patrocínio and Serra do Salitre, Quintas de Guimarães is a family-owned company that grew by specializing in other high-quality crops such as corn, cotton, wheat and soy bean, since the end of the 19th century. Their involvement in the region’s development is noticeable. The family has several farms within Cerrado Mineiro, including in Guimarânia, a city that was founded by them.
Francisco Guimarães, also known as Chico, told us that their family is well known for cereals, but their coffee production was still unknown. The family planted their first coffee plants in 2010. Their experience and eye for innovative technology, have helped them to take big leaps towards producing high quality specialty coffee,
The Guimarães family is one of the landmarks locally, with more than 150 years of history in agricultural production, Driving onto their farm you will see an amazing view of white cotton and wheat before hitting the coffee fields. The “Gladiator” like view is amazing!
The farm sits at an average altitude of 980 m.a.s.l. The total area is 3000 hectares, of which only 390 hectares is coffee area, resulting in an average of 14.000 bags per year. The aim from Quintas de Guimarães is to break paradigms to create extraordinary coffee, focussing on technology and innovation. Their attitude towards innovation is what attracts us!
“When Extraordinary coffees meet extraordinary people, extraordinary things happen.” – Chico
Quitas de Guimarães aims to produce more pulped natural than natural lots using extended fermentation times. All lots have traceability, keeping lots well seperated during the post-harvest. They have several varieties on their farm, such as IAC 125 RN (IBC 12), Topázio, Catuaí 62 and Catuaí 144, Paraíso MG2, Guará, Arara, IPR 103, Catiguá MG2.
The coffee from this Fazenda is been the winner of multiple local contests within the region, such as the “Cerrado Mineiro”, the “Emater” or the “Expocaccer” contests, placing 1st two years in a row.
“I want everyone to be able to consume quality coffee, not only to understand the quality itself but also how it is done. We seek to produce quality coffees and find customers who value not only our story but also our product”. – Chico
“We were born to break paradigms. Our challenge is to create the extraordinary”.
Price
Quinta employs 50 fixed workers, who live at the farm or in the cities nearby, but during the harvest period, they usually hire 200 temporary workers as well. About 90% of the harvest is done mechanically, but when the crop is new, it is handpicked.
The passion for agricultural flows in the veins of Chico as well as in his ancestors. He told us that they created their business little by little, as the Brazilian culture teaches. His dream is that everybody would be able to enjoy quality coffee, since Brazilians do not have the habit of drinking top-quality coffee. For them, coffee means having good times and pleasure and so it is meant to be shared with the family or during a business meeting.
“We are very grateful for the recognition you brought to us. We give employees more opportunities, as it demands a lot of labour and they have already understood the responsibility of producing with quality”. – Chico
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Planet
At Quintas de Guimarães they are conscious about the importance of environmental preservation, since it has a remarkable impact on our future. They regularly conduct research studies into the flora and fauna within the region, so to maintain the ecosystem as preserved as possible.
“We know that if we don’t protect our water springs, we can damage our future”. – Chico
To fulfill their promise and maintain the certifications they boast of (Rain Forest Alliance, UTZ, 4C, Nespresso, Cafepratices, Certifica Minas), they strictly follow Brazilian laws. However, their commitment goes further, since they provide also protection for rivers and reserves, by providing about 700 hectares of their land surface for a natural conservation area.
Discover other stories from Brazil ...
Fazenda Do Salto, Mangalarga Marchador!
In 2019 we visited the 800 hectares farm “Fazenda do Salto” which has a long history that goes back 100 years ago. Coffee and horses! Otávio Reis is the 5th generation is experimenting to improve quality, we are happy to be part of it.
Fazenda do Juquinha – Brothers of Boldness
Ivan and Eder are two bold brothers-in-law who run Fazenda do Juquinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The history of the farm is filled with boldness and bravery.
Cocapil’s Mogiana Gold
Cocapil, one of the sizeable cooperatives that play critical role in contributing to the social and economical development of their region.
