Meet Magdalena López.
Magdalena is a espresso producer from Nariño, which is situated in Colombia’s South-West. We have bought Magdalena’s espresso, Santa Fe, final yr, after being actually impressed by its citrus acidity on our cupping desk. Now we have since been to her farm, Finca Santa Fe, and had the privilege of assembly her and having her present us across the farm.
Pictured right here is the second when Magdalena obtained the second cost for her espresso from Azahar, who exported her espresso and introduced it to our consideration. However wait, why was she paid twice, really? Effectively, in Colombia, the overwhelming majority of espresso produced is bought to Co-Ops at a day by day price fastened by the C value set in New York. Often, the espresso traded on this method is graded solely by seen defects – however this has slowly been altering.
Our companions from Azahar have been working alongside Co-Ops to grade espresso tons by taste as nicely. Magdalena’s espresso was certainly one of a number of tons that Azahar graded as high-quality produce, and so they have been type sufficient to order it for us, realizing that we’ll adore it.
As soon as we have tasted the espresso and accredited it for buy, Magdalena’s cost for producing a premium high quality lot was arrange. The method is lengthy, because of the completely different steps required for espresso to be bought at a premium value, however after weeks of ready, Magdalena obtained her second cost proper round final Christmas – a 115% bonus, successfully greater than she was paid by the Co-Op.
This second, pleased for us and particularly pleased for farmers like Magdalena, additionally poses some challenges: how can we talk the explanations that made the espresso benefit a second cost? Most producers who work with Azahar and us have by no means tasted their very own espresso, and do not know what cup profile or qualities we search for when sourcing. How can we construct a relationship with Magdalena, the place we will talk our needs and expectations, and she will be able to use that data to make sure that the premium funds maintain coming?
A technique wherein we hope to have the ability to construct on this second is by returning to Finca Santa Fe once more this yr, with luggage of roasted Santa Fe espresso, and brew it for Magdalena. This was her one request from us earlier than we left her farm in September, and it’s one we’re very happy to oblige.
We have bought Santa Fe once more this yr, and it’s now accessible so that you can strive. It is tasting even higher this time; you guys (and Magdalena) are in for a deal with.
