FLORENCE – The exclusive initiative organized by the Cerrado Mineiro region at Ditta Artigianale in Florence brought together roasters and industry professionals to present Brazil’s first coffee Designation of Origin (DO). Held on October 3rd, the event was part of the Cerrado Mineiro Road Show in Italy, which began on International Coffee Day (October 1st) in Milan, supported by Illy, and was a key player in the sustainability campaign “Mind The Coffee Cup” and the network of specialty cafes Cafezal Milano.
The gatherings celebrated the historical and cultural connections between Brazilian and Italian coffee traditions, highlighting quality, authenticity, and the importance of DO certification in both markets.
They also provided an opportunity to explore the agro-regenerative sustainability practices of Cerrado Mineiro, the largest coffee-producing area with this model in Brazil, while showcasing the region’s history, terroir, and culture.
Participants had the chance to taste award-winning coffees from the latest harvest and competitors in the COE Brazil, discovering the unique flavors of the Cerrado Mineiro’s sensory wheel and the commitment to sustainable practices through cuppings, workshops, and networking sessions.
Simoni Ameni, director of education at Ditta Artigianale Academy, hosted the gathering alongside Thiago Furlaneto, coordinator of Designation of Origin and Sustainability, who provided a strategic perspective on the value of Cerrado for Brazilian coffee production.
Among the representatives of Cerrado Mineiro were Sandra Moraes, special coffee manager at Expocacer; Gláucio de Castro, president of the Federation of Coffee Growers of Cerrado and producer for over 40 years; Juliano Tarabal, executive director; and coffee producer Mario Alves.
Cerrado Mineiro and Ditta Artigianale: synergy in specialty coffee
The event also featured the special presence of Francesco Sanapo, three-time barista champion and CEO of Ditta Artigianale, during the cupping and get-together, along with Francesco Masciullo, head roaster and sales manager.
Another highlight was Valentina Palange, the leading coffee influencer in Italy, known as Specialty Pal (@specialty_pal) on Instagram. Representatives from Tuscan roasteries and students from the Ditta Artigianale Academy were also present.
Francesco Sanapo stated: “It is a pleasure to share knowledge about sustainability, circular economy, and especially regenerative economy, which the Cerrado Mineiro team exemplifies so well with its business model and unity among coffee growers.”
Ditta Artigianale, which has been recognized multiple times as the best café in Italy, continues to solidify its prominent position in the Italian and international coffee scene.
On October 1st, it received the highest recognition at the Gambero Rosso awards, with Tre Chicchi and Tre Tazzine in the Bar d’Italia guide. Gambero Rosso is one of the leading reference vehicles for hospitality and gastronomy in the country, awarding the best cafés, wines, and restaurants.
Next stop of the road ahow: Rome
On October 8th, the Brazilian Embassy in Rome will host a discussion featuring Vanusia Nogueira, head of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), and Andrea Illy, chairman of Illycaffè.
The focus of the discussion will be the role of DO certification and sustainable agriculture in enhancing the profile of Brazilian coffee.
