History of Coffee in Brazil: The Journey of Our Green Gold

Origins and Arrival

The most accepted account credits Sergeant Major Francisco de Melo Palheta with introducing coffee to Brazil around 1720. On a diplomatic mission to French Guiana, he acquired approximately 5 coffee plants and some seed portions and transported them to Brazil via Para, although they initially struggled to thrive.

Economic Catalyst

Coffee’s importance grew after 1808, when Portugal’s royal family fled Napoleon’s threats, arriving with 15,000 people and creating new economic demands. As gold production declined, coffee emerged as the leading export and eventually dominated global markets.

Geographic Expansion

Plantations spread from Rio de Janeiro through the Paraiba Valley to Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo, driving infrastructure development including railways, roads, and the modernization of the Port of Santos.

20th Century Crises

Production crises in 1906 and 1929 devastated producers. The 1906 crisis led to the Taubate Convention to establish minimum prices, while the 1929 crisis led to the controversial destruction of crops and a shift toward smaller producers.

Contemporary Status

Brazil currently produces approximately one-third of the world’s coffee, with specialty coffee representing 16% of exports. Production is concentrated in Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo, Sao Paulo, Parana, Rondonia, and Bahia.