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FAST FRIENDS WITH YUKI MINAMI AND AEQUITAS
A STAR IN CERRADO MINEIRO
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This is the Cerrado Mineiro region of Minas Gerais, an area best described as a high-altitude savannah, and best known as the carrot capital of Brazil. In addition to producing nearly half of the country’s carrots this region also grows onions, garlic, onion, potatoes….and coffee.
Coffee was the most recent to join the party, starting in the 1970’s. Quality has always been high, but this coffee has never made it to export before being bulked, and has always traded at commodity. Now a new generation of farmer has returned from the cities to their farms, bringing with them the ideas, skills and mindset to produce specialty coffee.
In 2016 Yuki was a marketing professional in Sao Palo. That year she entered her fathers coffee in the Cup of Excellence - and left a National Winner. Knowing she has something special she left her employment in Sao Palo to return to the family farm and start Aequitas Coffee. These farmers are Brazilian of Japanese descent, explaining the names Yuki Minami of Fazenda Olhos D’agua and Fazenda San Antonio, Edson Tamekuni of Fazenda Vargrem Grande, and Michael Tomizawa of Fazenda São Bento and Fazenda Paraiso. Aequitas represents 18 families that arrived in Brazil in the early-mid 1900s, and began farming in this region in the mid 70s.
If it were not for Yuki - who introduced herself to us last year at an IWCA function - we would not be able to work in Brazil for many moons to come. She has the fire, her heart is in it for the right reasons, and she’s sharp as can be. Her coffee is just as impressive...and this is year one for her and her colleagues. We are excited to be a part of the first export from Yuki Minami and her neighbors, Edson Tamekuni and Michael Tomizawa, as they launch Aequitas.
Yuki explains that "Aequitas is Latin for equity, but the word is also the name of a goddess that stands for justice, transparency and fairness. And this is what I wanted to do, I wanted to promote a fair trade for producers."
We second that emotion!
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YUKI MINAMI, CERRADO MINEIRO, MINAS GERIAS, BRAZIL
Elevation: 3,700 - 4,500 ft
Harvest Cycle: June - September
No. Farmers: Yuki Minami
Total Produced: 90 Bags
Lot Separation: Fazenda Olhos D’agua
Varietals: Red Catuai, Natural
Washing Method: Pulped Natiral
Drying Method: Raised beds using shade nets and rain tarps
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CUPPING SCORES / TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Dried spices, nuts
Cup: Fruit forward blueberry, lime and vanilla. Mixed nut finish
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OFFERS FOB NJ, Continental Terminals
Starting at 3.48 for one bag
48 bags available
(order samples)
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EDSON TAMEKUNI, CERRADO MINIERO, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL
Elevation: 3,700 - 4,500 ft
Harvest Cycle: June - September
No. Farmers: Edson Tamekuni
Total Produced: 52 Bags
Lot Separation: Fazenda Vargrem Grande
Varietals: Red Catuai, Natural
Washing Method: Pulped Natiral
Drying Method: Raised beds using shade nets and rain tarps
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CUPPING SCORES / TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Graham cracker
Cup: Butterscotch, lemon and apricot acidity, raisins, caramel toffee, cocoa and nougat
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OFFERS FOB NJ, Continental Terminals
Starting at 3.56 for one bag
50 bags available
(order samples)
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Good coffee comes from good people. We believe that the farmer, exporter, importer, roaster and barista - everyone adds value to the final experience. We believe that the best way to get the best coffee is to invest in the people who help to make coffee special. We believe in the power of relationships. We believe that coffee builds relationships, and that these relationships give meaning to the trade that connects us. We believe that this connection can serve to educate your customers and engage your staff. We believe that roasters and farmers both want the same things out of their coffee, and that we all win by being the best customers we can be to the best farmers we can find. Read more about why we do what we do and let us know what you believe. www.croptocup.com/aboutus
- Taylor, Jake, Dan, Ben, Maya and Erika
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