Villa di Grama is a premier Brazilian specialty coffee producer and exporter located in São Sebastião da Grama, São Paulo. Renowned for its artisanal approach to coffee cultivation and post-harvest processing, the company has built a global reputation for delivering exceptional micro-lot coffees that capture the unique terroir of the highlands of southeastern Brazil.
Brief History
Villa di Grama is a family-owned estate with deep roots in coffee farming, spanning several generations. Founded by Patrícia Guerra Moreira de Mendonça, the company brings together traditional agricultural knowledge and modern processing innovations to deliver coffees that reflect Brazil’s evolving specialty coffee scene. Over the past decade, Villa di Grama has transformed from a local coffee grower into a globally recognized exporter.
Core Business
The core of Villa di Grama’s operations centers around:
- Cultivating, harvesting, and processing high-altitude specialty coffee
- Directly exporting green and roasted beans to international buyers
- Participating in global coffee championships and auctions
- Educating consumers and clients through cupping sessions and guided brewing experiences
Product and Service Offerings
Specialty Coffees
- Geisha Arara: A rare variety known for its floral aroma and vibrant acidity
- Arara: A sweet, fruity variety adapted to Brazilian terroir
- Microlots: Natural, fermented, and washed lots with unique cupping profiles
Roasted and Ground Coffee
- Roasted Beans: Medium and dark roast profiles tailored to espresso and filter methods
- Ground Coffee: Fine, medium, and coarse grind options for different brewing equipment
Green Coffee Beans
- Export-quality, traceable, micro-lot green beans
- Certified post-harvest techniques for consistent quality
Coffee Accessories and Education
- Brewing guides, recipes, and recommendations
- Engagement through social media, cupping events, and educational campaigns
Specialization and USP
Villa di Grama’s key differentiation lies in:
- Single-estate production ensuring full traceability
- Micro-lot fermentation techniques such as anaerobic and carbonic maceration
- Elevation-driven flavor development (farms located at ~1,200m above sea level)
- Sustainability practices including water reuse, composting, and selective hand-picking
Financial Insights
As a privately held company, specific financials are not publicly disclosed. However, Villa di Grama’s export growth and specialty coffee visibility are indicators of solid financial performance:
- Participated in Cup of Excellence auctions, with lots scoring over 87+ SCA points
- Exporting to over 12 countries, including U.S., Japan, Germany, and Australia
- Experienced 20% YoY growth in international sales from 2021 to 2023
Shipments and Export Performance
Villa di Grama has positioned itself in the premium segment of Brazil’s coffee exports. Export highlights include:
- Annual exports of approximately 50–70 specialty lots
- Each lot averages between 5–30 bags (60kg each), emphasizing exclusivity
- Active participation in specialty coffee trade fairs and buyer-seller events
Target Market
Villa di Grama serves:
- High-end roasters in North America, Europe, and Asia
- Specialty cafes and boutique retailers
- Coffee competition baristas and enthusiasts
- Importers focused on traceable, sustainable microlots
Capabilities
- On-site cupping laboratory and quality control team
- Solar drying beds and mechanical dryers for flexible processing
- Advanced fermentation tanks for controlled experiments
- Packaging options suitable for both green and roasted coffee buyers
Certifications and Compliance
Villa di Grama maintains compliance with:
- Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture export regulations
- Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards for cupping and processing
- Sustainable and ethical farming practices aligned with global certifications, though not always certified formally (e.g., Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance)
Customer Testimonials
Buyers often highlight:
- “Exceptional consistency and flavor clarity.”
- “Villa di Grama’s Geisha Arara was the highlight of our seasonal offering.”
- “Outstanding communication and transparency throughout the purchasing process.”
Major Achievements
- Multiple micro-lots scored 87–89 points on SCA scale
- Featured in Barista Championships and international brewing competitions
- Catalogued in specialty coffee portfolios of renowned global roasters
- Successfully released the 2024 catalog with over 20 exclusive microlots
