On National Coffee Day, Minas Gerais is highlighted globally.

Minas Agency - National Coffee Day is celebrated this Friday (24) with the prospect of significant results for Minas Gerais production. The flagship of the state's agribusiness, the coffee segment is expected to end the year with a production of 25 million bags in Minas Gerais, according to data from the State Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Seapa).

The strength of the sector in Minas Gerais is internationally renowned. Exports of coffee produced in Minas Gerais totaled US$3,8 billion in 2012. The bean represents the main product in the export portfolio of Minas Gerais' agribusiness, according to data from SEAPA (State Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply). Minas Gerais is also the leading coffee-exporting state in Brazil.

The subject was the topic of an article by the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Elmiro Nascimento, published in Friday's edition of the Diário do Comércio newspaper. In the text, the secretary highlighted the potential of Minas Gerais' production. "Minas Gerais is the largest national producer of coffee, with 51,4% of the national harvest. The grain is the main product in our agribusiness export portfolio," he stated.

Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and the second largest consumer market. For 2013, national coffee production is expected to reach 48,6 million bags, with more than half originating from Minas Gerais. "These numbers, so important for the economy of Minas Gerais, demonstrate the strength of the coffee sector in the state and contribute to the enviable national production index," the secretary stated in his article.

According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), coffee is a universally popular beverage among consumers, with over 600 billion cups consumed annually. Brazil accounts for 37% of international coffee production and 28% of global coffee exports.

In the text published this Friday, the secretary praises the choice of Minas Gerais as the host of the largest global meeting of the coffee sector. "Our state is preparing to host, in September, the International Coffee Week, one of the largest global events in the sector. From September 9th to 13th, the capital of Minas Gerais will host the 50th Anniversary Meeting of the ICO and the 8th edition of Espaço Café Brasil, at Expominas," he highlighted.

In the article, published on the same date that Governor Antonio Anastasia participates in meetings at the ICO headquarters in London, Elmiro Nascimento anticipates the state's prospects for International Coffee Week. "We intend to showcase the potential of coffee in Minas Gerais and Brazil. We have high-quality coffee and we will seek this recognition. The idea is to demonstrate that, in addition to being major producers, we have some of the best coffee in the world," he concluded.