The São Paulo State Department of Agriculture and Supply (SAA-SP) officially launched the 25th edition of the “São Paulo State Coffee Quality Competition” and is already receiving samples from producers. The announcement took place on June 30th, during the ceremony commemorating the 59th anniversary of the Directorate of Integral Technical Assistance (CATI), at the institution's headquarters in Campinas (SP). Marking the 25th anniversary of the competition, CATI also presented a new publication, Technical Document 139, entitled “Coffea arabica: good harvesting and post-harvest practices for specialty coffees”. The technical material was developed to guide coffee growers in their pursuit of greater added value and is already available for free download on the SAA-SP website. According to the Secretary of Agriculture and Supply, Geraldo Melo Filho, the competition attests to the quality of services provided by the State to São Paulo coffee growers. “Coffee represents the history of São Paulo and, today, consolidates our position as one of the largest producers in the country. Understanding this scenario and working towards the constant growth of our coffee farming is fundamental for us to remain a benchmark,” he stated. The director of CATI, Fabiana Gouvêa, reinforces the reach of the competition in transforming and valuing the countryside, attesting to the impact of technical assistance and rural public policies directly on the lives of coffee farmers. “Our technicians accompany the producer throughout the year so that, at this moment, they can present their samples, which are sensory gems. The award is a showcase that unites small farmers with the most demanding buyers,” she comments.
Encouraging excellence
The competition aims to identify, reward, and promote the best coffees produced in the state of São Paulo. It also seeks to strengthen coffee-producing regions in domestic and international markets, encouraging coffee growers to adopt better agricultural and post-harvest practices. Its relevance was evident in last year's edition, which had around 400 entries from 77 municipalities in São Paulo. Among the highlights of 2025 were producers from traditional regions such as Alta Mogiana, Mantiqueira Vulcânica, Circuito das Águas, and the Central-West of São Paulo, as well as a pleasant surprise: the grand winner, with a beverage that received 91.10 points, was produced by a family farming couple in a quilombola community in Barra do Turvo, a municipality located in the Vale do Ribeira. The judging process follows established international methodologies and recognizes the ten best coffees in five distinct categories: natural, pulped natural, fermented, and organic, all of the Arabica variety, as well as Canephora (Conilon/Robusta).
How to participate
Coffee growers in São Paulo interested in competing can now send their samples to the Agricultural and Regional Offices of CATI. The regulations and registration form are available on the state agency's website. The awards ceremony is scheduled for November of this year. The organization of the São Paulo State Coffee Quality Competition is an initiative of SAA-SP/CATI, in conjunction with the Coffee Sector Chamber, the Agricultural Research Support Foundation (Fundag), Agricultural Defense, the Agribusiness Development Directorate (Codeagro), the Agribusiness Research Directorate (APTA), through APTA REGIONAL, the Food Technology Institute (ITAL-APTA) and the Agronomic Institute (IAC-APTA), as well as unions and associations in the sector.
Service
25th São Paulo State Coffee Quality Competition Categories: natural, pulped natural, fermented, organic, and canephora Sample submission: until September 25th for Arabica and until October 2nd for Canephora Sample verification: from September 30th to October 2nd, at the Agricultural Offices or CATI Regional Offices Coffee tasting: from October 5th to October 9th Awards ceremony: November 2026 (date to be defined) Regulations: agricultura.sp.gov.br/cati/concurso-estadual-qualidade-do-cafe-de-sao-paulo
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.