SAO PAULO, Brazil – The harvesting of Arabica coffee began in April in some regions in São Paulo State, such as Mogiana and Garça, while others are getting ready to begin activities soon, according to the latest report from CEPEA. As for Robusta coffee, the harvesting in Rondônia and in Espírito Santo States is stepping up, however, the volume available for sales is still low.
The first crops harvested in the Mogiana concerned farmers, since many beans were found on the ground – this is a reflex of the high rainfall in the second fortnight of April. In Garça, despite the heterogeneous maturation of beans, farmers began the harvesting.
In Minas Gerais States, agents from the Matas de Minas that were consulted by Cepea reported sporadic activities. In this area, the harvesting is expected to step up after the second fortnight of May. In the remaining regions that produce coffee, such as southern Minas Gerais and the Cerrado Mineiro, farmers are waiting for rains to decrease in order to begin the harvesting.
Arabica coffee prices fluctuated in April but continued above BRL 1,000 per 60-kg bag. The average of the CEPEA/ESALQ Index for Arabica coffee type 6, delivered to São Paulo city, closed at BRL 1,106.35/bag, a slight 0.15% up from that in March.
The volume sold in April was low because many farmers preferred to keep their batches remaining from the 2022/23 season, expecting valuations. As for purchasers, they are waiting for the 2023/24 crop to arrive at the market and, thus, pay lower prices for the product.
For robusta, the CEPEA/ESALQ Index (Espírito Santo) for the Robusta coffee type 6, screen 13, averaged BRL 663.92/bag in April, 24, 2.7% up from that in March. Valuations were linked to high demand and the absence of sellers in the market (low supply).
