More than five years later, that day has come. “We had such closely aligned values both personally and professionally that it immediately came to my mind – one day we are going to create a partnership to work together,” he says.

Sebastian’s work with Colombian-based Farmore has led him to advocate for small-scale independent farmers, something Marcelo says he could empathise with through his time with Minas Hill Coffee. He had really strong views about sustainability and the importance of promoting the welfare of farmers,” says Marcelo, Founder of the South American Growers’ Association (SAGA).Īs well as personal ideologies, another factor drawing the pair together was professional experience. “What caught my attention about Sebastian is that we shared many of the same thoughts about the industry. In 2014, a chance meeting with Melbourne-based Colombian coffee roaster Sebastian Farias left an indelible mark on him, which he knew one day would lead to something special.

In his position as CEO of Minas Hill Coffee, Marcelo Brussi has formed countless friends and contacts within the coffee industry. The South American Growers’ Association (SAGA) is on a mission to make high-grade, affordable coffee from Brazil and Colombia accessible to everyone, while creating a more sustainable future for farmers.

The saga begins