André Aguila
Brazil
Ouro Verde Corretagem e Assessoria em Cafés Especiais
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in Itirapuã, in São Paulo state in 1981. At the age of 8 I began a trip to the world of coffee, accompanying my father, a born entrepreneur who always liked what he does. I passed through several cities with him before returning to Franca-SP in 1999, and started my career in coffee. Since then I have never stopped.
How did you get started in coffee?:
I started in coffee at the age of 13, following my father’s charting in the field. At the age of 15 I participated in a classification and coffee tasting course in a cooperative. On this course the one with the best performance would be offered a guaranteed job, I was the chosen one and worked in the cooperative for 14 years. In 2012 with the explosion of specialty coffees I decided to leave my job and set up my own company at Ouro Verde Brokerage. Since then I have been helping producers from my region, Ibiraci-MG to always have their best coffees. I am a trained Q-grader and I am always in search of new learning and knowledge of the coffee chain.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2017 National Championship
2018 Selective championship of the Region of Alta Mogiana
2018 Sixth place in the National Championship
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
Take advantage of the fair and the opportunity to represent Brazil in this great championship. I’m also looking forward to getting know the city and it’s gastronomy.
What is your favourite coffee to cup?:
My favorite coffee is Brazilian coffee, coffee with good body and many sensory characteristics.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I like nature a lot, and so do my husband and my son. I enjoy staying home on weekends to rest.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I see myself striving to have cafés in my region, Ibiraci-MG, recognised as having great quality potential. I also see myself learning more every day.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCTC?:
Thanks to everyone involved in the national championships, the BSCA for the opportunity they have given us with these competitions, and my whole family that have supported me. Thank you also to my friends in the Alta Mogiana region, who have been doing a great job and spreading the coffee culture of the area.
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