Brazilian Nova Blend

Coffee was first introduced to Brazil in the 18th century and first planted in 1727 by Native Americans. According to the legend, the Portuguese were looking for a cut of the coffee market, but could not obtain seeds from bordering French Guiana due to the governor's unwillingness to export the seeds. Palheta was sent to French Guiana on a diplomatic mission to resolve a border dispute. On his way back home, he managed to smuggle the seeds into Brazil by seducing the governor's wife who secretly gave him a bouquet spiked with seeds.[61]

Originating in Pará, coffee soon spread to Rio de Janeiro by 1770. However, it was only produced for domestic consumption until the early 19th century when American and European demand increased. At this time Brazil accounted for around 20% of global coffee production but quickly increased until the 1920's when they produced around 80% of global production. From around 1950 onwards, the country's global market share decreased due to increased global production. Today Brazil produces around 32% of the world's coffee, whilst less than its dominance in the 1920s, it still produces almost twice as much as its closest competitor, Vietnam.[61][62]