Antioquia Arabica Bean Farmers
Q&A

Q: How can we trace the origin of coffee back to the specific farms or cooperatives it originates from?

A: Yes, we can provide information regarding the actual finca (farm) or micro-lot the coffee was grown in and its harvest date and roasting date if necessary.

Q: Can we provide information on the social and economic impact of our coffee sourcing on local communities?

A: By partnering with local smallholder farmers, we try to have a positive economic impact by helping ensure sustainable livelihoods for people and their families in the local community. We pay our coffee pickers well and are consistent in the work opportunities we provide for them.

Q: What quality control measures do we have in place to ensure the absence of defects?

A: Our quality control is robust, with careful attention to detail throughout the production process, from timing of cherry-picking, processing methods, to testing the coffee's taste before exporting. We use the laboratories of Cabresto in Andes and OMCE in Tamesis for SCA cupping.

Q: Can we share references or case studies from other coffee importers you've worked with?

A: We’ve exported coffee to Colombian Coffee Importers in the USA and the Middle East. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in buying from these regions.

Q: What regions or areas in Colombia do we source your coffee from?

A: We source all our coffee from the Antioquia region or department in Colombia. We are happy to arrange a coffee origin trip and provide more information about the region if you’d like.

Q: What types and varieties do we offer?

A: Our flagship varieties are Castillo, Pink Bourbon, Geisha, Caturra Chiroso, and Caturra Timor. But we can source other exotic varieties in Antioquia that you’d be interested in.

Q: What coffee flavor profiles and characteristics of coffee do we offer?

A: We can source dozens of different coffee varieties from our region. But our standard coffee flavor profiles and characteristics are as follows:

- Castillo: A well-rounded flavor profile with prominent chocolate notes and refreshing citrus undertones.

- Pink Bourbon: Distinct flavor profile, which typically includes vibrant fruity notes, such as red berries, cherry, and cranberry.

- Caturra Timor: A well-balanced combination of nutty undertones and mild citrus notes.

Q: Do we have certifications like Fair Trade Organic or Rainforest Alliance?

A: Certification varies across our producer network and individual coffee lots. We do not currently make a blanket Organic, Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance certification claim. For each coffee, we provide clear information on its origin, traceability and any applicable certifications.

Q: How do we ensure the quality and consistency of our green coffee beans?

A: Quality and consistency are the cornerstones of our coffee bean production. We uphold these principles through meticulous oversight of the entire production process. This involves a rigorous selection of the finest beans, employing exacting washing and drying techniques, and implementing routine quality assessments to guarantee that each batch attains and maintains our stringent quality benchmarks.

Q: What processing methods do we use for our coffee, and how do they impact the flavor?

A: We offer traditional washed coffees alongside honey, natural and selected fermentation processes, producing a diverse range of cup profiles.

Q: Can we provide information on the altitude at which your coffee is grown?

A: Our coffee in the region is grown at approximately between 1500 to 2000 meters above sea level depending on the farm.

Q: What sustainable farming practices do we promote or employ on the coffee farms we work with?

A: We encourage the use of sustainable practices on our selected coffee farms. This includes conserving water, using natural methods to control pests, and taking steps to protect the biodiversity and existing forests.

Q: Can we provide information on our shipping and export capabilities, including lead times and shipping options?

A: We offer both ready-to-export coffees and forward harvest orders, depending on availability and volume. In-stock coffees can move quickly, while forward orders may require approximately 1–5 weeks for harvesting and preparation. Shipping times depend on the destination and service, with sea freight typically taking around 2–4 weeks to the USA, 3–5 weeks to Europe, and 4–6 weeks to the Middle East. As a registered Colombian coffee exporter, we manage the required export documentation and support the process from origin through to shipment.

Q: Do we offer volume discounts or long-term partnership incentives?

A: Yes, as a long-term partner, we are more willing to consider volume discounts, and we offer our best prices for larger and consistent orders. We are in this business for the long term. 

Q: Do we offer any coffee samples?

A: We offer samples (from 200gs upwards depending on the client) for the cost of shipping, which may vary for international locations outside the USA/Canada.

Q: What are our payment terms and methods?

A: Payment is generally required before shipment and can be made by international bank transfer to our Colombian business account. Specific payment terms can be agreed for larger or established commercial relationships.