PATROCÍNIO, Brazil – Breaking new ground in 2024, the Cerrado Mineiro Award and Auction, a prestigious initiative from the Brazilian Federation of Cerrado Mineiro Coffee Producers, unveils its first-ever virtual auction. This innovative format marks a momentous shift towards global recognition and appreciation for the Cerrado Mineiro Denomination of Origin.
“This virtual auction innovation aims to bridge the gap between Cerrado Mineiro coffee growers and high-quality international roasters, importers and coffee shops. By fostering meaningful connections and collaboration within the coffee industry, the auction catalyzes enhancing the global presence of the Cerrado Mineiro Region”, says Juliano Tarabal, Cerrado Mineiro Coffee Growers’ Federation executive director.
The Cerrado Mineiro Award honors the best coffees produced in the yearly harvest within the Cerrado Mineiro Region, the first Designation of coffee-producing origin in Brazil, which encompasses the 55 municipalities located northwest of Minas Gerais state.
In the 2023/2024 harvest, the auction attracted a record- breaking number of participants with 500 samples, almost a 40% increase compared to the previous edition.Moreover, the average quality of lots, as determined by the SCA’s Q- System, has increased by five points since the Auction’s first edition, going from 83.5 to 88.5.
The virtual auction, taking place January 29th through February 2nd, 2024, features eleven curated lots of 500 samples each, divided into eleven curated lots of three categories: Natural (dry), Washed, and Induced Fermentation processing methods, all exceeding 87 points on the SCA cupping-methodology scale, with the highest reaching 90.13 points.
22 juries of licensed Q-graders evaluated the samples under the Specialty Coffee Association methodology. The juror body is comprised of local and international coffee industry professionals.
“As a long-time purchaser and seller of Cerrado coffees, we have been visiting for many years and have come to rely heavily on our incredible partners in the region. Their ability to consistently produce high-quality coffees and a wide range of profiles at scale is second to none” – Eric Wolf, Director of Casa Brasil Coffees, international juror.
“In 2017, we purchased the 1st Place coffee in the Cup of Excellence competition – a beautiful coffee from Cerrado Mineiro. We’ve visited the region many times since and are always impressed by the dedication of everyone involved; from farmers to cooperatives and the federation, there is a focus on quality at every step of the chain” – James Fairbrass, Proudmary Coffee, international juror.
A celebration of sustainability and co-laboration
The Cerrado Mineiro Region Award celebrates the yearly harvests in Cerrado Mineiro and recognizes producers for the best coffees of each harvest season.
The 2024 virtual auction will be operated by the M-Cultivo digital Platform, with the support of full-time moderation by English-speaking specialists from the Cerrado Mineiro Federation.
The Cerrado Mineiro Denomination of Origin mark graces coffee cups in over 50 countries across all continents. Within the region, 60% of production is specialty coffee, a testament to the exceptional quality nurtured by local farmers.
Through its 11 editions, the Award income exceeded USD 1,000,000.00 (one million dollars) in prizes reverted to producers. The highest amount ever paid for a single bag was USD 13,000.00 in 2023.
Cerrado Mineiro Coffe : sustainability values and commitment to quality
Cerrado Mineiro’s 220,000 hectares of coffee farms climb from 800 to 1,300 meters, thriving on distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers nurture growth, while cool, dry winters ensure consistent, high-quality harvests and yield numbers.
The Cerrado Mineiro Denomination of Origin graces coffee cups in over 50 countries across all continents. The region boasts a 60% specialty coffee production. It is the leading certifier among internationally recognized Brazilian producing regions, with over 1 million bags accredited under the Denomination of Origin Seal in the past 10 years.
Additionally, the Cerrado Mineiro coffee farms are frontrunners in sustainability, home to the world’s first farm certified in regenerative agriculture, aligning with the growing demand for ethically sourced and environmentally conscious coffee.
- Registration link for the auction on the M-Cultivo Platform here.
- Auction dates: January 24th and 25th, 2024
- Full-time English-speaking moderator to assist international participants
