SIC 2026 opens celebrations for 300 years of coffee in Brazil and discusses the future of the bean

The event, which takes place from November 11th to 13th in Belo Horizonte (MG), also celebrates the leading role of women farmers.

The International Coffee Week (SIC), the largest coffee event in Brazil and one of the main events in the sector worldwide, will reach its 14th edition in 2026, celebrating the long history of the bean in the country. And the event officially opens, in November, the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of this journey in Brazil, which will be completed in 2027.

From November 11th to 13th, at Expominas in Belo Horizonte, the event will host over 200 exhibitors and bring together producers, researchers, companies, buyers, and institutions focused on the themes shaping the future of the sector: including climate change, competitiveness, science, technology, artificial intelligence, new regulations, and market access.

With the theme "On the eve of 300 years of coffee in Brazil: building the next global agenda," there will be three days of dialogues and debates on production and sustainability, innovation, genetics, biotechnology, digitalization, new income-generating opportunities for producers, and the transformations already impacting the global market. A cycle of celebrations that will only conclude the following year, at SIC 2027.

“Brazil has built a position of global reference in coffee, and SIC 2026 has precisely this role: to bring together the entire chain, put the main issues on the table, and help build the next steps. This year's theme stems from that. Looking at our history, understanding the challenges of the present, and discussing what the next global coffee agenda will be,” says Caio Alonso Fontes, partner at Espresso&CO, one of the event organizers.

The international dimension of SIC 2026 will be present from the opening of the program, which features the executive director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), Vanusia Nogueira. In her keynote address, Nogueira will discuss the transformations in global coffee farming, the role of Brazil, and cooperation between producing countries, industry, markets, and international organizations.

In addition to themes such as global competitiveness, climate change, and innovation, one of the focuses of SIC 2026 is the new possibilities for income generation for producers, based on the bioeconomy, energy, utilization of waste and by-products, carbon, biodiversity, tourism, and processing. The expectation is to receive approximately 25,000 visitors from more than 40 countries, generating R$ 170 million in business. See the program on the website.

Global showcase

With a record harvest estimated at 33.4 million bags in the state in 2026, Minas Gerais, Brazil's largest coffee producer, arrives at this year's edition with a positive outlook for Arabica production. According to Antônio de Salvo, president of the Faemg Senar System, one of the organizers of SIC 2026, the result demonstrates the resilience of producers in the face of the challenges of recent years, as well as the importance of the sector's technological advancement.

“SIC 2026 is an opportunity for us to project the future of national coffee farming and to value the producers who are behind this activity. We are world leaders in the production of one of the most appreciated grains on the planet, and the fair expands access to knowledge and business opportunities, contributing to our coffee farmers' advancement and conquest of new markets,” says Salvo.

The acting Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, João Ricardo Albanez, highlights the importance of the event as a showcase for Minas Gerais to the world, contributing to the state continuing to occupy a prominent place in the global coffee scene.

“Coffee farming is one of the great economic and social forces of Minas Gerais. It is present in hundreds of municipalities, brings together producers of different profiles and scales, generates employment and income, and drives a production chain that takes the quality, diversity, and identity of Minas Gerais coffees to Brazil and the world,” declares Albanez.

News and market

The Women's Summit will be one of the main new features of the 2026 edition, addressing female leadership, succession, management, and entrepreneurship during the International Year of Women Farmers. The program also includes traditional SIC events such as DNA Café, the Sustainable Coffee Farming Forum, the Brazilian Barista Championship, and awards such as Coffee of the Year, Award-Winning Blossom, Espresso Design, and Roastery of the Year.

By bringing the production chain closer to national and international buyers in the Business Rounds, the event connects producers, cooperatives, industry, exporters, roasters, buyers, researchers, and institutions. Meanwhile, the Cupping Rooms add flavor and aroma to the three days of the event, with coffees from origins such as Espírito Santo, Cerrado Mineiro, and Campo das Vertentes, among many others.

“International Coffee Week is consolidating itself each year as a showcase of trends in global coffee farming. In 2026, the event commemorates 300 years of coffee in Brazil, highlighting its leading role in the past and present, but above all, its responsibility for a more collaborative and regenerative future for the sector,” emphasizes Marcelo de Souza e Silva, president of the Deliberative Council of Sebrae Minas.

The 2026 International Coffee Week will be held by Espresso&CO, Sistema Faemg Senar, Sebrae Minas and the Government of Minas Gerais.

Coffee of the Year and Espresso Design Awards

SIC will once again host some of the most important awards in the coffee world. Among them, the Coffee of the Year showcases some of the best coffees in Brazil and selects the year's highlights. To participate, Brazilian producers can register their coffees until October 5th in the Arabica or Canephora categories for R$ 200. Samples (3 kg), along with the registration form, must be sent to the Senar Coffee Growing Excellence Center. Check the edition's regulations and registration link here.

In its 8th edition, the Espresso Design award continues to highlight the importance of design in building and promoting coffee brands. Brands can register for free and submit their packaging to the competition committee until October 9th – see the rules. During the first two days of SIC, the public will be able to vote for one of the 20 best-rated packages, which will be on display at the event. Fill out the registration form here.

The two awards ceremonies will take place on the last day of the event (13), in the Grand Auditorium.

Accreditation

Registration for SIC 2026 is now open. On November 11th and 12th, the event will be geared towards industry professionals, while the 13th will also welcome end consumers. Producers with a CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID) or rural code and Sicoob cooperative members have free entry. Registration and more information about the event are available on the SIC 2026 website.

International Coffee Week

When: November 11th to 13th, from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Where: Expominas (Avenida Amazonas, 6200 – Gameleira – Belo Horizonte, MG)