Coffee production dominates agricultural activity in Guaxupé, a municipality in the south of Minas Gerais. The high altitudes and micro-climate in Guaxupé are ideal for growing specialty coffee, with noticeably cooler temperatures than the rest of the region, averaging about 68oF (20oC). Additionally, distinct wet and dry seasons stimulate coffee production and encourage the use of natural processing methods. Around 30% of Brazil’s Arabica production comes from Sul de Minas, and the region has earned a reputation for consistently delivering high quality coffee.
The Cooxupé Cooperative is one of the biggest coffee cooperatives in the world. It connects over 16,000 members, 95% of which are small-holder farmers, throughout more than 200 municipalities. The cooperative, founded in 1937, has since come a long way from its beginnings as a key coffee exporter in the region.