Andrea Illy Meets Brazil’s Agriculture Minister to Deepen Coffee Trade Ties and Regenerative Farming Partnership
May 13 - 2026
Coffee Geography Magazine
The chairman of illycaffè, Andrea Illy, met with Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, André de Paula, to discuss new avenues for cooperation, sustainability, and trade. The high-level meeting, which also included Italy’s Ambassador to Brazil, Alessandro Cortese, signals a renewed commitment between the iconic Italian roaster and its largest coffee supplier.
According to a statement from the Italian diplomatic mission, the gathering was a “fruitful exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening the commercial ties between the iconic Italian coffee company and Brazil,” which currently supplies approximately half of the Arabica beans used in illy’s renowned blend.
For illycaffè, a family-owned company founded in Trieste in 1933, Brazil is more than just a source of beans—it is the birthplace of its revolutionary direct-trade model. Since the late 1980s, illy has bypassed traditional middlemen to establish long-term, direct collaborations with farmers, ensuring higher quality coffee while dramatically improving grower livelihoods.
Beyond Sustainability: The ‘Virtuous Circle’ and Regenagri
The discussions centered heavily on illycaffè’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, a model the company calls a "virtuous circle." This approach goes beyond traditional sustainability to actively restore ecosystems. Brazil was the first country to host this model, and illy has since become the first coffee brand to achieve the regenagri® certification for its Arabica Selection Brazil Cerrado Mineiro. The practices include using organic compost and cover plants to lower soil temperatures and enrich the land with living roots. By restoring natural cycles, beneficial microorganisms are allowed to combat harmful pests and fungi without heavy chemicals. Additionally, enhanced water and energy management techniques help plantations adapt to the effects of climate change, building long-term resilience.
Minister De Paula highlighted that the meeting also served as a platform to present Brazil’s ABC+ Program, a public policy designed to encourage sustainable agricultural practices. “The program focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, restoring degraded areas, and increasing productivity while respecting the environment,” the Minister stated.
He added that the talks strengthened “the solid diplomatic and commercial relations between Brazil and Italy, expanding opportunities for cooperation and bolstering the Brazilian coffee sector on the international stage.”
A Model for Global Coffee Trade
Unlike most global buyers, illycaffè does not participate in volatile international commodity markets. Instead, the company pioneered a direct trade model built on shared value. illy pays growers an average of thirty percent above market price for top-quality Arabica beans, a premium that rewards excellence. Many of its collaborations in the Cerrado Mineiro region have lasted over thirty years, demonstrating a deep commitment to long-term partnerships. By ensuring healthy profits for farmers and their families, illy secures a reliable supply of the world’s best coffee while supporting local development.
This high-end, sustainable focus is also visible to Brazilian consumers. illycaffè maintains a strong, premium presence in São Paulo with stylish, modern cafés, and operates a branch of its prestigious Università del Caffè in the country to promote coffee culture and quality education.
The EU-Mercosur Opportunity
Looking ahead, the parties expressed optimism regarding the recent provisional entry into force of the trade agreement between Mercosur, South America’s economic bloc, and the European Union. The Italian Embassy noted that the deal “can further consolidate a partnership based on quality, innovation, and the promotion of agri-food excellence.” For Andrea Illy, whose grandfather Francesco founded the company on the dream of offering the "best coffee in the world," the meeting reinforces a century-old mission: to elevate coffee quality not just in the cup, but from the ground up, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for both Brazilian farmers and Italian espresso lovers.