Meet João Marcos

Brasilian Coffee is a true hallmark of Italian espresso. Known for being sweet, full bodied, and extracting beautiful Crema this region is well represented in the coffee world for good reason.
Brasil produces 40% of the world’s coffee and is the largest producer of coffee in the world. Combined, the plantations and farms take up an area about the size of Belgium.
And yet, among the multitude of farms and growers, Andrea found what may be our absolute favorite corner of the Brasilian market in 2013 when he met João Marcos Botelho.

João Marcos Botelho

Getting to know João

João Marcos Botelho is the third generation of growers in the Botelho family. He grew up with an immense appreciation for coffee and the industry, working in warehouses, as a taster and in 2002 he and his wife Nair Amélia bought a piece of land to start their own farm. They named the property Fazenda Santo Antônio, because of the family's faith in Saint Anthony and as a form of gratitude for all the blessings.

João and his wife worked hard to build up the farm from scratch, hoping to build something to be able to pass down to their children and future generations. Today João, his wife and his son are the only owners of the lot.

His firsthand experience and knowledge of the land and the climate that affects their microlot, all translates into the coffee. The love and passion he and his family have put into their farm is evident in every sip.

"It is gratifying for me to look back and see all that we have accomplished to date. I feel very fulfilled. I managed to raise my two children and offer them studying opportunities in a good university thanks to coffee. My dream is for my son Renato to follow this generational passion. I thank God every day for being who I am today and for partnerships that value people's quality of life. I am a very happy person”

-João Marcos Botelho

The beginning of a lasting relationship

When Andrea had an opportunity to travel to Brasil with Atlas Coffee to participate in a cupping competition, it was a trip he couldn’t wait to take. Brasilian coffee is central to Italian coffee and culture, so getting to be hands on with a group of farmers who help make our caffè possible is a dream come true.

The trip centered around a blind cupping competition between about 25 farmers in a union of micro farmers known as AFASA (Association of Family Farmers of Santo Antonio do Amparo). The collective allows for the farmers to have more commercial opportunities while maintaining the uniqueness and character of each farmer’s crop. João Marcos was a founding member in the creation of this group and is the Head of Quality Control. His belief in the success of this group certainly translates into the coffee and the relationships he has with everyone he works with.

“One of the greatest memories was when we were all having festivities together, dinner, drinks, partying all before and after the competition winner announcements; it was truly apparent that Joao is much loved by all that he works with, and that he feels the same about everyone.”
-Andrea Spella

The event was a very exciting moment for these farmers, as it was their very first competition. It gave everyone acknowledgement for all of the hard work that they do.

Coming out of the friendly competition, João’s coffee stood out to Andrea and everyone else. His microlot that year took first place and has been consistently one of our absolute favorites. Every year since that trip, we have committed to having his coffee as an offering in our caffè and it has never let us down!

The rich and classic flavors of João’s coffee is reminiscent of our favorite moments while in Italy. It will instantly transport you to the streets of Rome, sipping espresso in a piazza as you enjoy the blend’s dark chocolate brownie, salted caramel, and cherry notes.

You can pick up a bag online, at the caffè and from Market of Choice for a limited time.