As demand for ethically sourced and sustainably grown coffee continues to shape global buying decisions, producers are under growing pressure to deliver quality while maintaining transparency and traceability. At the forefront of this movement is Expocacer – a cooperative of coffee growers from Brazil’s Cerrado Mineiro region – which is striving to position its members' coffee as both premium and principled.

In this interview, Refreshment speaks with executive president Simão Pedro de Lima, where shares insights into Expocacer’s approach to sustainability, the certifications that matter and how operators can better communicate ethical credentials to their customers.

Can you give me a brief overview of the work of Expocacer? 

Expocacer is a cooperative of coffee growers from Cerrado Mineiro, dedicated to promoting the cultivation and commercialisation of its members' coffee. We offer services such as reception, storage, commercialisation and export of coffee.

Our work also involves supporting producers by providing access to resources and markets that enable sustainable and fair growth. Additionally, we ensure that our products meet the highest quality and sustainability standards, always focusing on continuous improvement of agricultural practices.

Please tell us about your coffee and what makes it stand out in a competitive sector.

The coffee produced by Expocacer’s members stands out due to its superior quality, which results from the meticulous care from cultivation to harvest. Our cooperative promotes sustainable initiatives that ensure traceability, environmental preservation, high quality and the producer wellbeing.

Our controlled-origin coffee are 100% Arabica, offering unique flavors and distinct notes influenced by the region and climate. What sets us apart in this competitive market is not only our product’s excellence but also our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in every step of the process.

What makes a coffee supplier 'ethical'?

An ethical coffee supplier follows practices that respect workers’ rights, ensure fair working conditions, and guarantee fair compensation for producers. Additionally, ethical suppliers maintain transparency in commercial relations and support sustainable development within coffee-growing communities.

What makes a coffee supplier 'sustainable'?

A sustainable coffee supplier adopts agricultural practices that minimise environmental impact, such as the responsible use of natural resources (water, soil and ecosystems) and biodiversity-friendly cultivation methods.

Sustainability also involves supporting local communities by fostering an economic model that balances environmental, social and economic aspects, ensuring that the future generations of coffee growers can continue production without harming the environment.

What are the main challenges facing the coffee industry today?

The main challenges include climate variations that impact harvests and contribute to price volatility in the global coffee market, as well as difficulties in ensuring fair prices for producers. Export logistics also pose a challenge, including container shortages, shipping delays and insufficient infrastructure at Brazilian ports.

Which certifications/accreditations do you recommend as an accurate marker of whether a coffee is ethically produced?

Expocacer’s sustainability department assists members in obtaining and maintaining certifications that ensure responsible coffee production and compliance with regulations. Various certifications exist in the coffee market, each highly recommended for verifying sustainability and ethical standards. The choice of certification depends on the individual producer’s needs and interests.

How can operators highlight sustainable credentials of their coffee? Do you offer any point-of sale (PoS) or digital support or materials?

Expocacer provides support through PoS and digital materials, including details on certifications, the ECO Certification Protocol, and other sustainability credentials, allowing consumers to engage with the product’s origin/story.

Operators can also highlight sustainability credentials through tools like Denomination of Origin (DO) and QR codes for traceability. The DO guarantees that the coffee comes from a specific region following strict quality and sustainability standards, adding cultural and historical value. The QR code allows consumers to access detailed information about the coffee’s origin and sustainable practices, ensuring transparency and trust.

Looking ahead, what can you tell us about Expocacer's plans for the next 12 months and beyond?

Expocacer aims to further expand its presence in international markets, particularly in Europe and Asia. We are investing in advanced technologies to enhance our services and coffee quality, always prioritising sustainability.

Additionally, we are developing new training programs for our producers and expanding our range of specialty and certified sustainable coffees. Our goal is to solidify Expocacer’s position as a benchmark in sustainability, quality, and social responsibility within the coffee industry.