Our Relationship with Stephen Hurst of Fazenda Inglaterra and Mercanta
At Ozone Coffee, we believe that exceptional coffee begins with meaningful relationships. One of our most valued partnerships is with Stephen Hurst, the owner of Fazenda Inglaterra, a specialty coffee farm in Brazil, and the founder of Mercanta – The Coffee Hunters, a globally respected green coffee sourcing company.
How Our Journey with Fazenda Inglaterra Began
Our relationship with Stephen began in 2011, when we first sourced coffee from Fazenda Inglaterra, located in the heart of Brazil’s coffee-growing region, Minas Gerais. The farm’s name—Portuguese for “England”—is a nod to Stephen’s British heritage and his personal connection to the land.
When Stephen purchased the farm, it had been left abandoned. With the help of local friends Gabriel and Cristiano, he began the process of restoring it. Old coffee trees were carefully pruned, and new ones were planted. Today, Fazenda Inglaterra is a thriving example of sustainable coffee farming.
“Maybe it had always been an idea in the back of my mind – so a couple of years ago when some friends in Brazil mentioned that a small coffee farm was for sale, I had a look. The previous owners had abandoned it. So, we had to start again, almost from scratch. Some surviving coffee trees were pruned right back and the coffee that you are now drinking is that re-growth from the original old trees.”
— Stephen Hurst
What Makes Fazenda Inglaterra Coffee Unique?
Fazenda Inglaterra is located near Poços de Caldas, a spa town known for its volcanic soil and high elevation. The farm sits between 950 and 1,300 metres above sea level, on the edge of an ancient caldera—an extinct supervolcano. This unique terroir contributes to the coffee’s distinct flavour profile: clean, sweet, and full of character.
Stephen has also made a strong commitment to environmental preservation. Half of the farm remains untouched Mata Atlântica rainforest, which supports biodiversity and protects the local ecosystem.
Who Is Stephen Hurst?
Stephen Hurst is a pioneer in the specialty coffee industry. In 1996, he founded Mercanta, a specialty green coffee importer that now operates in over 50 countries. Mercanta is known for its commitment to traceability, quality, and ethical sourcing.
The name “Mercanta” is a blend of “merchant” and the Spanish phrase encantada—meaning “enchanted to meet you.” This reflects the company’s philosophy of building meaningful, long-term relationships with coffee producers and roasters alike.
Why We Value Our Partnership with Stephen
At Ozone Coffee, we share Stephen’s values: sustainability, transparency, and quality without compromise. Our partnership with Fazenda Inglaterra and Mercanta is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for a better coffee industry.
Over the years, we’ve consistently featured coffees from Fazenda Inglaterra in our seasonal offerings. These coffees are not only delicious—they also tell a story of regeneration, resilience, and responsible farming.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Collaboration
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to deepen our relationship with Stephen and the team at Mercanta. The specialty coffee landscape is always evolving, but with partners like Stephen, we’re confident in our ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive.
