Coffee is grown on a large scale in the south-eastern part of the Brazilian Highlands.

Answer: Because the region has the climate, soil, slopes and transport that coffee needs.

• The climate is warm with moderate rainfall, and the height of the plateau keeps temperatures mild, which suits coffee plants.
• The fertile reddish soil formed from volcanic rocks (terra roxa) is rich in nutrients, and the sloping land drains water away from the roots.
• Large plantations, available labour, roads and railways, and nearby ports such as Santos help in growing and exporting coffee. Hence states like São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Paraná produce much of Brazil’s coffee.