This morning, the winners of the 8th Annual Força Café Competition were announced during a live ceremony hosted by NKG Stockler. Women took the top prizes in both the Natural and Semiwashed categories, and several producers discussed what the contest has meant to them over the years and how grateful they are for all the efforts of the Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) foundation.
Rafael Bastos, who won third place in Naturals, described being a fourth-generation producer who learned about coffee from his father. "The love for coffee has continued from generation to generation," he said, adding that his sons already seem to share his excitement.
With past contest winnings (everything paid in the auction above the initial purchase price goes entirely to the producers), Rafael was able to buy several machines, including wet-processing machinery and dryers, which have helped him produce a higher-quality and more consistent cup.
“The main goal of this contest is to increase coffee quality and help producers reach different markets,” said Denis Rabelo, with Stockler. “But really, it goes far beyond this: It changes lives. We’ve seen how many lives have changed from 2014 until now. This isn’t just about coffee. We are dealing with dreams.”
The online auction will begin immediately, and the coffees InterAmerican wins will ship in December. Please ask your trader for details!
Our warmest thanks to everyone who participated — the producers, the volunteer judges, the team at HRNS, our colleagues at Stockler and at NKG Quality Service in Switzerland, and to the fantastic Daniela Altamirano in our Hoboken QC lab, who helped at every step along the way. Lastly, biggest congratulations to the winners! Next year, we’re hoping to pass along our handshakes and hugs in person.
Winners of the Naturals Competition:
1 Joseane Borges da Silva
Caramel, red apple, pineapple, strawberry, chocolate; bright acidity, silky body.
2 Rosimeire Aparecida Guerra
Pineapple, floral, caramel, spicy, tropical fruits; winey acidity, velvety body.
3 Rafael Bastos da Silva
Chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, floral, cherry; vibrant acidity, buttery body.
4 Savio dos Reis Borges
Chocolate, blackberry, lemon, raspberry; lively acidity, creamy body.
5 Elieser Carmelito da Silva
Plum, cinnamon, grapefruit, honey; citric acidity, smooth body.
6 George Vieira Calincani
Chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, walnuts, red apple; citric acidity, creamy body.
7 Carlos Eduardo de Souza
Blackberry, raspberry, lemon, chocolate; citric acidity, creamy body.
8 Joao Batista da Silva Lopes
Mango, fruity, chocolate, spicy; juicy acidity, creamy body.
9 Jader de Jesus Camargo
Maple syrup, roasted hazelnuts, raspberry, honey; vibrant acidity, velvety body.
10 Severo Martins Borges
Chocolate, caramel, red apple, hazelnut; juicy acidity, smooth body.
11 José Resende de Oliveira
Chocolate, roasted hazelnut, apricot, herbal; citric acidity, creamy body.
12 Maria Aparecida Bento
Chocolate, caramel, roasted nuts, orange; citric acidity, velvety body. •
