In an area of about 20 thousand square meters in São Martinho, the Sá Group’s dream of owning a coffee farm is coming to life. On half of Fazenda Sá, young coffee trees are already producing, despite their age.
“This idea grew out of the excitement my father and I shared. The land was just a vacant patch of land with a few fruit trees. Over time, we worked on improving it, making it more functional and comfortable,” says the businessman, pointing out the “unique market advantages” not only in the product offered but also in the farm’s location.
Currently, the coffee is sold within the regional market, namely in the group’s stores, but also in the Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant, under the exclusive title ‘Café Madeira.’
“We have the whole production process; what we lacked was the plantation,” reinforces Jorge Cipriano Sá, recalling the origins of the family business, in Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas, with Pérola dos Cafés, in March 1956. “Coffee was a passion of my father’s.”
The businessman points out that Madeira has “excellent conditions to produce coffee, ” but regrets that there are not more producers, noting that he is already facing difficulties in meeting market demand. He therefore challenges others to start investing in coffee plantations, where together Madeira can create a unique blend of coffee.
Fazenda Sá will soon welcome visitors under very restricted and carefully managed conditions to prevent overcrowding. Visits will follow set schedules, with groups guided to share experiences inspired by the memories and traditions of their elders. For now, some tours are already taking place through select operators.
During his visit to Fazenda Sá, Miguel Albuquerque praised the Group’s dedication to this alternative crop. With coffee prices climbing, the President of the Regional Government highlighted the promising opportunity coffee cultivation offers as a profitable venture.
“Like other products, we may not produce coffee from Madeira on a large scale, but it stands out as a unique brand. It’s the kind of coffee people will want to try, he said, comparing its potential to rum as an alternative in the agriculture sector. While what we grow can’t compete with the volume of global producers, what we offer is quality.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
