Faces and Portraits

The value of coffee: a journey to its origins in Brazil

Faces and Portraits

The value of coffee: a journey to its origins in Brazil

NAME
Katharina Wilhelm

COMPANY
InterAmerican Coffee Hamburg

POSITION/ DEPARTMENT
Communication Manager

DATE OF BIRTH
April 25

DATE OF FIRST DAY AT NKG
April 01, 2022

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WORKING AT NKG?
The Network. To have the opportunity to experience coffee from every perspective.

In a world where coffee is an everyday occurrence for many, there is much more to it for us at InterAmerican Coffee. As an importer and trader of green coffee, a journey to the origins is therefore part of our mission. At the beginning of October 2024, we (Alexander Inacio, André Arcanjo und Katharina Wilhelm from IAC) teamed up with six customers on a 12-day trip to the coffee-growing regions of Brazil.

What we and our roasters were able to experience and take away not only opened our eyes to the roaster’s perspective, but also showed us the true value behind the coffee.

The people behind every bean: The value of collaboration

The value of collaboration: the people behind every bean

The journey from bush to cup is the result of countless hands and minds working together to create the final product. The number of people involved in a single order is impressive. The entire value chain – from picking the cherries, to processing and printing the bags by hand, to transporting, treating and caring for the plants outside of the harvest season – is a complex process that requires many specialized players. Every link in the chain is crucial, and every single person is part of the success that is ultimately expressed in the aroma and flavor of the bean.

“It was amazing to see how big the coffee farms in Brazil can be and how committed the farmers are to their product.” – Esben Lauridsen, Kama Kaffe (Grenaa, Denmark)

The dedication and love for the product was evident everywhere. The Brazilian coffee farmers dedicate their lives to coffee. It is not just a job for them, but a profession. An attitude that inspires and is also recognized by the roasters.

Another valuable realization was the need for continuous reinvention. Each season, farmers must come up with creative, innovative solutions to overcome challenges and ensure the quality of the harvest. Especially in an ever-changing climate and market environment, farmers are forced to find new ways each year to maximize their yields while maintaining high quality. This innovative spirit inspired them to see their work not just as a craft, but as a constant learning process.

Variety and nuances of speciality coffees: The value of diversity

Variety and nuances of speciality coffees

In Brazil, our roasters encountered an incredible variety of specialty coffees. Each region and even each plantation offers its own unique flavor profiles, which are influenced by growing conditions, climate and processing techniques. A new world is opening up for roasters here: Brazil as a country of origin for specialty coffees. The trip showed them how versatile coffee really is and how much potential lies in the careful selection and combination of beans.

“The cuppings were all very professionally organised and there were a lot of interesting coffees on the table. We experienced a great variety of coffees.” – Stefan Wernersson, roaster from Te og Kaffi (Reykjavik, Iceland)

What also remains in the end are the people and their warmth. We were welcomed everywhere with open arms and were able to enjoy the hospitality and warmth of Brazil to the full. These experiences show that coffee builds a bridge between cultures and connects people.

“For me, coffee is people! It’s the best way to make friends. Coffee is the bridge between humans.” – Tuca, producer at Fazenda Santa Alina (Brazil)

Hearts and Hands Behind the Harvest: The true value of coffee

Hearts and Hands Behind the Harvest: The true value of coffee

For us and our roasters, the trip to Brazil raised the value of coffee to a whole new level. They not only returned with memories of the huge plantations and the variety of flavours, but also with the awareness that coffee is a product with a soul. A product that is created by people for people and where every step on this long journey counts. This experience inspires and motivates us to work even more consciously and with even more passion in the future and to educate other coffee enthusiasts – in the knowledge that every bean contains the work and heart of countless people.

“Now it’s up to us roasters to communicate our experience, commitment and dedication to coffee to end consumers and make them aware of it.” – Thomas Stühlke, Koffietied (Hamburg, Germany)

One Response

  1. I liked the nuances and subjectivity that the writter put in this article. I enjoy read. Thanks to put in kindly and beautiful words how majestic its our farm. YOLO.

    Reply

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Neumann Gruppe GmbH
Coffee Plaza
Am Sandtorpark 4
20457 Hamburg • Germany