The Coocafé (Cooperative of coffee in the Region of Lajinha), was founded in 1979 in the city of Lajinha (MG) in order to strengthen the coffee planters of the region, allowing better results. Although facing some difficulties and economic crises that ravaged the country over the years, the Coocafé has remained consistent and determined, thanks to the cooperative spirit of its members, who always believed in the potential of cooperative and built a story full of challenges and achievements .



To give more power to their members of competitiveness, Coocafé created in 1988, the Eastern Minas Cooperative of Credit Ltda. (SICOOB-CREDICAF). Thus, Coocafé began to contribute directly to the provision of financial assistance to its members, promoting the socioeconomic development of the resources raised from Coocafé operations in towns in the area, being reversed for the development of the region itself.

Concerned about the future and the early dropout of children, seeking a study of quality in distant cities, the Coocafé also founded in 1998, the Cooperative for Educational and Cultural Region of Lajinha Ltda. (COOPCEL) - educational cooperative formed by parents and teachers, aiming to generate high-quality teaching for young people, encourage a culture of cooperation and promote the cultural development of the region.

Today the Coocafé is a structured organization, with about 200 employees and has in its social framework cooperated approximately 4,000 of these, whose 95% are micro and small producers, with survivors from the family farm. The partners get specialized assistance in their properties, receiving technical visits from Coocafé, and there are 4 stores inputs and agricultural implements, major benefits and security in the marketing of their coffee. The Coocafé operates directly in over 20 cities basically living from coffee, producing around one million bags of coffee per year.

The cooperative holds an important place in society, and aware of that, performs and supports numerous social activities. The Coocafé is fully aware of their responsibility and be more committed to sustainable development.