Brazil alone produces about a third of the world’s coffee, with farms spread across the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Espírito Santo. This vast scale means great variety in grades and prices — a golden opportunity for an importer who knows where to buy.
Types of Brazilian coffee
Arabica: around 70% of output, smooth flavor and balanced acidity, ideal for specialty roasters.
Robusta/Conilon: cheaper and higher in caffeine, perfect for espresso blends and instant coffee.
Specialty coffee: cupping scores above 80 points at higher prices, with growing demand in the Gulf.
How to choose a supplier
The Brazilian market is full of middlemen, and the gap between buying from a broker and buying from a farmers’ cooperative can reach 15% of the deal value. Always verify the exporter’s registration with the Brazilian regulator, request a quality certificate for each lot before shipping, and never rely on the first sample alone.
Approximate cost
A 20-foot container holds about 19 tons of green coffee. Besides the goods price, calculate: ocean freight from the Port of Santos, insurance, customs duties in your country, and inspection costs. The golden rule: never sign a contract before you know the full landed cost per kilo to your warehouse.
Bottom line
Importing coffee from Brazil is genuinely profitable, but it needs a trusted supplier, strict quality inspection and careful logistics planning — exactly what we do at Alto LATAM on your behalf.