More than half of Brazilian coffee producers are small businesses, research shows.

A groundbreaking survey by Sebrae shows that the majority of Brazilian coffee producers – 54% – are small businesses. The study, based on the National Survey of Coffee Producer Segmentation, indicates that these producers are concentrated on properties with less than 20 hectares. Medium-sized producers make up 38% of the total, and 8% are large-scale producers. According to the research, the average age of a small business producer is 49 years, with 21 years of experience in the field. Minas Gerais and São Paulo have a predominance of medium-sized producers, while states outside the Southeast region concentrate a larger number of small producers, notably Rondônia, where 87% of producers are small businesses, Acre (83%), and Goiás + DF (76%). The survey interviewed 1,102 producers in 14 states. More than half of those interviewed have at least completed high school. “The educational level of producers varies considerably between states. In Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Goiás, the Federal District, and São Paulo, we have a higher concentration of people with completed higher education and postgraduate degrees,” points out Carmen Sousa, Competitiveness Analyst at Sebrae. Highlights of coffee producers' educational levels: Goiás + Federal District * Higher education: 47% * Postgraduate degree: 29% Paraíba * Higher education: 53% * Postgraduate degree: 11% São Paulo * Higher education: 40% * Postgraduate degree: 11% Minas Gerais * Higher education: 45% * Postgraduate degree: 8% Men are the majority in the sector, with 79% participation, compared to 21% of female coffee producers. Generation X (41 to 56 years old) is the majority, with 41%; followed by boomers (over 57 years old), with 29%; and millennials (25 to 40 years old), with 27%. Only 3% are from Generation Z, aged 18 to 24.

Specialty coffees and certification

Research indicates that 61% of respondents reported producing specialty coffee. This result connects to the fact that 27% of producers already have socio-environmental certifications and 29% intend to obtain some type of certification, highlighting a growing appreciation for attributes linked to quality and sustainability. Another important quality differentiator is geographical indications (GIs): Brazil currently has 23 GIs for coffee, all supported by Sebrae. In this context, the adherence of producers from São Paulo stands out, representing 44% of the producers interviewed, followed by Minas Gerais, with 35%. “Support for management to achieve these quality recognitions and for the adoption of sustainable practices is fundamental for strengthening the sector and entrepreneurs,” points out Carmen Sousa.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.