How One Family’s Commitment to Ethical Farming Is Changing the Brew
In the rolling hills of Sul de Minas, Brazil, Pedro Gabarra and his sister Mariana run one of the region’s most sustainable coffee farms. Their beans — Mundo Novo variety, grown naturally at around 1,000 metres above sea level — are a testament to what coffee can be when it’s cultivated with care, not chemicals. But behind the flavour lies a story of resilience.
Brazil’s coffee industry has faced mounting challenges in recent years. Climate instability has brought unpredictable frosts, droughts, and heavy rains, all of which threaten yields and quality. Global market pressures have driven prices down, making it harder for small producers to survive — let alone invest in sustainability. Many farms have resorted to shortcuts: chemical fertilisers, mass harvesting, and low-grade exports. Pedro and Mariana chose a different path.
Their farm is more than a business — it’s a living system. They’ve committed to regenerative farming, biodiversity, and ethical labour practices. Shade-grown cultivation protects the soil. Natural processing avoids chemical interference. Careful drying and storage prevent mould and mycotoxins. Every step is deliberate, designed to protect the land and the people who work it.
The result is a coffee that reflects its environment: clean, complex, and deeply rooted in place. It’s not just better for the planet — it’s better in the cup. And it’s proof that sustainability isn’t a label; it’s a daily decision.
Bold Coffee is proud to support producers like Pedro and Mariana. We pay well above Fairtrade minimums, raise money for the Waterfall Foundation and World Coffee Research with every bag sold, and reject the shortcuts that dominate the industry. Because great coffee starts with great people — and they deserve more than just our praise.
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