Government of Minas Gerais launches International Coffee Week
One of the world's largest events in the coffee sector will take place between September 9th and 13th at Expominas, in Belo Horizonte; the event will also include the 50th anniversary meeting of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).
Minas Agency - The Government of Minas Gerais will launch next Monday (18) the International Coffee Week, one of the largest world events in the coffee sector in 2013. Scheduled for the period of September 9 to 13, at Expominas, in Belo Horizonte, the Week will host the 50th anniversary meeting of the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and the 8th edition of Espaço Café Brasil. It is part of the internationalization efforts of the State undertaken by the Government of Minas Gerais, which has been achieving good results in bilateral agreements, attracting investments and promoting tourism.
The International Coffee Week is promoted by the Government of Minas Gerais, through the State Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Seapa), in partnership with the ICO, the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of Minas Gerais (Faemg), the main entity of Minas Gerais agribusiness, Sebrae – which promotes the development of the sector's production chain –, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) and Café Editora.
The ICO is the leading intergovernmental organization in the sector worldwide. The choice of Minas Gerais to host its 50th meeting, an event that rarely takes place outside of London, the organization's headquarters, reflects the state's importance to coffee farming, as it accounts for more than 50% of Brazilian production – the world's largest producer of the bean. At the ICO meeting, heads of state and hundreds of delegates from 70 countries will be in the Minas Gerais capital to discuss the future of the coffee market.
The Espaço Brasil Café, now in its 8th edition and arriving in Minas Gerais for the first time, is a business platform for the coffee market, offering exhibition space and attractions for rural producers, cooperatives, roasters, exporters, retailers, entrepreneurs, baristas, and end consumers. The fair attracts the world's leading buyers and suppliers. In 2012, it had 6.500 visitors, buyers, and professionals, and more than 100 exhibiting brands that presented new product launches and trends. Alongside the fair, attractions such as business roundtables, seminars, and workshops take place.
At the launch event, a press conference will be held with the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Elmiro Nascimento, the Executive Director of the OIC, Robério Silva, the President of Faemg, Roberto Simões, and the Superintendent of Sebrae-MG, Afonso Maria Rocha. After the press conference, they will remain available to the press for further information.
Service: Launch of International Coffee Week
Location: BDMG – Guimarães Rosa Room, 2nd floor - Rua da Bahia – 1600 – Lourdes – Belo Horizonte
Date: March 18th (Monday)
Time: 9h30