A Deep-Rooted Legacy in Brazilian Coffee Production
In the heart of Minas Gerais, one of Brazil’s most prestigious and productive coffee-growing regions, lies Fazenda Nova Aliança - a farm that beautifully blends heritage, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Owned and operated by Juliana Paulino da Costa Mello, a fifth-generation coffee producer, and her husband Flavio, an experienced agronomist, the farm spans 150 hectares of fertile land that has been in Juliana’s family for generations.
Originally part of a much larger estate, the land was gradually divided among family members, creating a close-knit network of farms that continue to uphold the family’s deep-rooted connection to coffee cultivation. This legacy of stewardship and shared knowledge is evident in every aspect of Nova Aliança’s operations.
Sustainability at the Core of Coffee Cultivation
At Nova Aliança, sustainability is not an afterthought - it is a guiding principle. The farm is carefully managed with a long-term vision for ecological balance and agricultural resilience. Juliana and Flavio have implemented a range of environmentally conscious practices, including:
- Planting native and fruit-bearing trees to enhance biodiversity and support local ecosystems
- Producing organic fertilisers on-site using composted farm waste, reducing reliance on external inputs
- Monitoring plant health through data-driven metrics, allowing for precise and responsive care in pruning, planting, and harvesting
- These practices not only protect the environment but also contribute to the production of consistently high-quality coffee beans.
A First-Hand Look at Innovation and Care
In the summer of 2023, our Head of Wholesale, Vanessa, and Green Buyer, Roland, had the opportunity to visit Nova Aliança in person. Their visit offered a rare and valuable glimpse into the daily operations of the farm and confirmed what we had long believed: Nova Aliança is a place where careful planning, scientific insight, and a deep respect for the land come together to produce something truly special.
They observed how every decision on the farm is informed by a combination of tradition and technology. From soil analysis to canopy management, the team at Nova Aliança uses a wide range of tools to ensure that each coffee tree receives exactly what it needs to thrive.
A Diverse Portfolio of Coffee Varietals
Nova Aliança cultivates several high-quality Arabica coffee varietals, each selected for its unique characteristics and suitability to the region’s climate and elevation. These include:
- Red and Yellow Catuaí – A compact, high-yielding variety known for its balanced cup profile and adaptability
- Mundo Novo – A natural hybrid of Bourbon and Typica, prized for its full body and sweet, chocolatey notes
-
Red Catuaí – Offers smooth, sweet flavors with hints of red fruit and caramel
Yellow Catuaí – Known for its bright acidity and fruity, citrus-forward profile
By growing a diverse range of varietals, Nova Aliança not only enhances the complexity of its coffees but also builds resilience into its farming system—ensuring both quality and sustainability across harvests.
