Exhibiting at Aahar 2025

Aliança Internacional das Mulheres do Café (IWCA Brasil): Empowering Women in the Coffee Industry

The Aliança Internacional das Mulheres do Café (IWCA Brasil) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in the Brazilian coffee sector. As part of the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA), IWCA Brasil works towards fostering leadership, economic development, and market access for women involved in coffee production, trade, and research.

Core Mission and Programs

IWCA Brasil is committed to strengthening the role of women in the coffee industry through various strategic initiatives, including:

• Leadership Development

  • Training programs to equip women with management and decision-making skills
  • Mentorship initiatives pairing experienced industry leaders with emerging female entrepreneurs

• Market Access Programs

  • Connecting women coffee producers with international buyers and specialty coffee markets
  • Promoting the visibility of women-led coffee businesses at global trade fairs

• Educational and Training Workshops

  • Conducting technical workshops on coffee farming, quality control, and sustainable practices
  • Providing financial literacy programs to improve business management among women entrepreneurs

• Advocacy and Representation

  • Amplifying the voices of women in policy discussions related to coffee production
  • Representing Brazilian women in coffee forums at national and international levels

Competitive Advantages and Impact

1. Global Network and Strategic Partnerships
   IWCA Brasil benefits from its affiliation with the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA), which operates in over 30 countries. This network enables greater visibility and international collaboration opportunities for Brazilian women in coffee.

2. Strengthening Brazil’s Coffee Industry through Gender Inclusion

   • Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, contributing over 37% of global coffee exports. IWCA Brasil ensures that women have a fair share in this industry.
   • Studies show that gender-inclusive agricultural sectors improve productivity and sustainability, making IWCA Brasil’s work essential for long-term growth.

3. Sustainability and Ethical Coffee Production

   • Promotes sustainable coffee farming practices to ensure environmental responsibility
   • Encourages Fair Trade and Direct Trade opportunities for women-led coffee businesses

4. Economic Empowerment and Business Growth

   • Women in coffee play a vital role in the Brazilian economy, with female farmers leading an increasing number of coffee cooperatives
   • Access to microfinance programs and business mentorship through IWCA Brasil helps women scale their operations

Financial Strength and Growth

While IWCA Brasil operates as a non-profit, it secures funding through partnerships, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Some key financial aspects include:

• Funding Sources:

  • Grants from international organizations supporting gender equality and agriculture
  • Sponsorships from leading coffee brands and sustainability-focused corporations
  • Membership contributions and fundraising events

• Growth in Membership:

  • Since its inception, IWCA Brasil has expanded significantly, growing its network of women entrepreneurs, producers, and coffee professionals across multiple coffee-producing regions in Brazil.

Export and Market Participation

IWCA Brasil plays an active role in connecting women coffee producers to international buyers and facilitating direct trade relationships. Women-led coffee brands affiliated with IWCA Brasil have successfully expanded their reach to North America, Europe, and Asia, increasing their presence in specialty coffee markets.

• Participation in Global Trade Events:

  • Specialty Coffee Expo (USA)
  • World Coffee Producers Forum
  • Brazil International Coffee Week

• Direct Trade and Certifications:

  • Many women-led coffee farms under IWCA Brasil are certified by Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, and UTZ, ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainable farming.

Certifications and Compliance

IWCA Brasil is committed to maintaining high ethical and quality standards in the coffee industry. The organization and its members adhere to:

• Sustainability and Fair Trade Certifications
• Brazilian Coffee Industry Regulations
• Global Women’s Empowerment Initiatives

Customer and Member Testimonials

IWCA Brasil has received praise from industry leaders, coffee producers, and members for its efforts in advancing gender equality in the coffee industry. Some testimonials highlight:

• “Being part of IWCA Brasil opened doors for me to export my coffee directly to the U.S. and Europe. The training and market connections have been invaluable.” – Female Coffee Producer, Minas Gerais
• “IWCA Brasil’s mentorship program helped me improve my coffee quality, leading to better pricing and recognition in the specialty coffee market.” – Coffee Cooperative Leader

Major Achievements and Industry Recognition

• Recognition as a key women’s empowerment organization in Brazil’s coffee sector
• Successful participation in major coffee trade expos and events worldwide
• Increased export opportunities for women-led coffee businesses
• Strategic collaborations with major coffee organizations and ethical trade certifiers

IWCA Brasil continues to be a driving force in gender equality and sustainability within Brazil’s coffee industry. By providing education, networking, and market access, the organization empowers women to play an active role in shaping the future of coffee production in Brazil and beyond.