Cocarive

Cocarive (Cooperativa Regional dos Cafeicultores do Vale do Rio Verde) was established in 1961. The objective of forming the co-operative was to increase productivity amongst the members as well as the quality of coffee to achieve better pricing on the world market, and take control of their futures.

That control has lead to the Serra de Mantiqueira being recognised not only as one of the best coffee producing areas in Brazil, but special enough to have earned a Protected Denomination of Origin status. Producers from Mantiqueira De Minas have over 358 awards from Cup of Excellence between them, including the highest score from any coffee of any country.

Over the past 5 decades Cocarive has grown in size, but their commitment to coffee excellence never waned. Their first warehouse was inaugurated in 1984, with headquarters next door. In 1996 the offices were fully renovated and 2012 saw them begin exporting their coffee.

Their push for continuous improvement has seen their cup scores improve from over 50% scoring 79 and below in 2011/12, to 94% above 80, and 47% now scoring 84+.

Progress has continued with larger premises built in 2006 with a second, neighbouring premises being built in 2023.

Focus is now shifting towards production methods, with many young farmers embracing more organic methodologies and utilising intercropping to improve soil health.