After a recent trip to Brazil, David Holt, our COO, returned with fresh insights into the challenges and stories behind the beans in our cups. Over ten days and thousands of kilometres, Dave gained a new appreciation for the journey from crop to cup, a perspective Australian coffee lovers rarely see.

In this article we follow Dave on the trip organised with Bennetts coffee traders and Australian industry representatives through Brazil’s iconic coffee-growing regions, visiting everything from major cooperatives to family farms, meeting the growers behind Merlo coffee, and tracing how carefully cultivated beans become the cup in your hand in Australia.

Exploring Brazil’s Coffee Heartland

Origin visits are typically undertaken by our Q Graders and Head of Coffee. On this occasion Dave joined the trip and gained first-hand insight into production to share with the team. Over more than 2,000 kilometres he visited operations at every scale, from highly mechanised estates to small family farms where cherries are still picked by hand.

Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, responsible for about one third of global supply and home to roughly 300,000 farms. The scale is most apparent in its cooperatives. One we visited represents around 20,000 farmers and ships approximately 250 containers of coffee per day. As Dave notes, “the scale is remarkable.”

Climate and the Coffee Supply Chain

Dave also gained a deeper appreciation of the first half of the supply chain, the journey beans make before they reach roasters like Merlo.

“In Australia, the focus tends to be on roasting and serving, but learning about the initial stages adds so much value when explaining pricing and quality to customers,” he says.

Recent insights include the impact of climate. Extreme weather events such as frost, drought, and unusually high temperatures have set farmers back. “In 2021, widespread frost hit Brazil’s coffee regions hard, and recovery takes time. Many farms are still regrowing crops, and ongoing dry spells make it harder,” Dave explains.

Quality First Amid Global Challenges

Environmental pressures have reduced production, affected quality, and pushed prices up. Geopolitics has added complexity. Even so, Merlo remains committed to sourcing the best beans.

“Market volatility is tough, and we are constantly evaluating options. Quality is non-negotiable, so we are always cupping and trying coffees from new regions,” says Dave. “It feels like we are putting in extra effort just to maintain the standard we are known for.”

Cupping with a Champion

While in Brazil, Dave joined World Cup Tasters Champion Dionatan Almeida for a cupping of more than 20 micro-lots, selecting a standout for Merlo’s Bean of the Month.

“Tasting with a world champion was incredible,” he says. “Our Bean of the Month gives customers a chance to try specialty coffees scoring 85 and above, available for a limited time in-store, online, and through our wholesale partners.”

Blends remain most popular with Australians, but single origins are growing, especially among younger drinkers who enjoy distinct flavour profiles. “Coffee blends are our heritage, and Merlo will always be rooted in traditional Italian-style espresso. Single origins are on the rise, and connoisseurs love exploring a wide range of flavours,” Dave says.

Brazilian coffees are a vital part of many Merlo blends, yet sourcing is global. The team navigates market volatility while maintaining quality and consistency, selecting from across the growing belt to suit Australian tastes. “Traditionally, Queensland coffee drinkers love a medium to dark roast with chocolate and caramel notes. Most coffee here is served with milk, so those flavours are a great match,” says Dave. “Classic Italian espresso is at our core, but many under-35s are more experimental and look for complexity. That is why Bean of the Month works so well.”

Dave and the team plan to visit more supplying farms in 2025 and continue their focus on education, so more coffee drinkers understand and appreciate the source of their daily ritual. “We source coffee from almost everywhere it grows, including Australia. We cannot wait to share more origin stories,” he says.

Experience the Flavours of the World With Bean of the Month

Understanding the journey behind the beans that produce your favourite flavours can add a new and exciting dimension to your coffee experience. Enlighten your taste buds and experience premium coffee from all around the world with our exclusive Bean of the Month promotion, where we showcase unique growing regions with a new flavour each month. Shop online or visit one of our cafes to experience this month’s selection.

Blog created from Bean Scene's 'Industry Insights' article - November 2024.