INDUSTRY PROFILE
A foundation for the future Green bean trader Minas Hill has launched a foundation to formalise its commitment to origin and aims to ramp up its sustainability in 2020.
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ince its creation eight years ago, Minas Hill has strived to support its farming partners and their communities. Founder and CEO Marcelo Brussi says this is due to his understanding and appreciation of not only the farm owners, but the workers who make coffee production possible. “My grandfather worked on a coffee farm, and I have always valued the work of the pickers, truck and tractor drivers, and seed sowers – those doing the work we don’t always realise even exists,” Marcelo says. “We’ve intentionally partnered with producers who we can help contribute to their communities.” The green bean trader formalised this commitment with the formation of the notfor-profit Minas Hill Foundation in October 2019. Marcelo says running Minas Hill’s philanthropic efforts through a separate entity has improved the transparency and professionalism through which these projects operate. “The Minas Hill Foundation has
been welcomed with open arms from our donors, but we were more surprised by the reaction of people who hadn’t donated money before because of a lack of traceability,” Marcelo says. “Donating through the not-for-profit provides them with a feeling of safety and security of where their money is going.” The Minas Hill Foundation highlights four core projects, with plans to expand its reach across Brazil. Minas Hill became involved in the first of these programs six years ago, partnering with Bom Jesus farm in Alta Mogiana to support Intercity Games for the Environment (GIMA). Every year, GIMA involves more than 900 children from the surrounding 10 municipalities, promoting social and environmental responsibility and providing children with access to bicycles for transport and school equipment. For almost as long, Minas Hill has also worked with 2018 Cup of Excellence winner Ismael Andrade to fund his local hospital, Santa Casa de Misericordia. Minas
Minas Hill will help launch a biohybrid plastic bag lining for hessian coffee bags.
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