QIMA/WQS participates in International Coffee Week 2023

Between November 8th and 10th, the city of Belo Horizonte once again hosted one of the biggest fairs promoting Brazilian coffee to Brazil and the world: International Coffee Week. The aim of this event is to connect and generate opportunities for the entire Brazilian coffee chain to access markets, knowledge and business. And with such importance for sustainable agriculture and trade, QIMA/WQS was a standard sponsor of these 3 days of connections generated with clients and insights into the regional, national and international coffee sector.

About the event

Held since 2013 in the capital of Minas Gerais, through the state government, the Minas Gerais Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply and related institutions, SIC is a key event in the promotion of Brazilian coffees because it brings together all the links in the coffee agribusiness in the same environment. It brings together all the major coffee producers and representatives of companies working at all stages of the production chain, from the selection, processing and packaging of the bean, to large and small entrepreneurs in the sector, such as people who are preparing to open a coffee shop. The event will also be attended by agronomists, roast masters, baristas and representatives of complementary sectors, such as vegetable milks.   

Offering important content in the form of lectures, courses, workshops, competitions, coffee tastings, research and tastings aimed at professionals in agriculture and related areas, the International Coffee Week helps to connect rural producers with major players in the coffee chain, and to show the value of our coffees and the important work of rural producers in Minas Gerais. 

There were also important awards such as Coffee of the Year 2023, the Brazilian Barista Championship, the Roaster of the Year competition and the Espresso Design title.

Innovation and sustainability: new perspectives for the coffee chain

Today, Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world and the second largest consumer, behind only the United States. In addition, the bean leads exports from Minas Gerais' agricultural sector, since in 2022 alone, coffee from Minas Gerais reached 89 countries, generating a value of US$ 6.9 billion with the shipment of around 28.5 million bags. SIC is therefore a chance for the state to showcase the diversity and excellence of its production globally, boosting the presence of Minas Gerais coffee in other markets.

Held at Expominas, in Belo Horizonte, at the beginning of November, in partnership with the Faemg Senar System, Sebrae Minas and Espresso&CO, International Coffee Week 2023 brought together more than 20,000 visitors from more than 30 countries and reached 55 million reais in business, creating opportunities for connections and commercial transactions across the sector, reinforcing that Brazil really is the country of coffee.

QIMA/WQS present at the 11th edition of International Coffee Week

With the central theme being: "Producing origins: a vision of the future for a new coffee chain", this 11th edition referred to the current global scenario, which takes into account sustainable practices, production and consumption in all sectors.  This is why constant improvements in coffee quality, the expansion of business possibilities and contributions to the development of a more sustainable and conscious coffee-growing sector are strategies that were addressed at SIC 2023, with the aim of strengthening the identity and origin of national coffee, with a focus on valuing the efforts of producers. This meant that this year's event connected the most innovative aspects of the coffee market, through the exchange of knowledge between the leaders and managers of coffee agriculture.

Julio Zilio, Commercial Manager at QIMA/WQS, shared his opinion on the International Coffee Week, highlighting the greatness of this event for the coffee sector. "This occasion was a remarkable opportunity to interact with everyone involved in the coffee production chain, from small producers to large exporters. Furthermore, taking part in this event allowed us to present our certification audit services," he commented. 

Given the subjects covered and the influential participants, QIMA/WQS had a unique opportunity to connect and share insights and news from the coffee chain. "Taking into account emerging market trends, especially in the areas of sustainability and products, is essential for effectively guiding QIMA/WQS' strategies and actions," concluded the manager.