#coffeetasters

The last week of February Coffee Resources had the privilege of being invited by the Antioquia Governor’s office to participate as a member of the international jury, for  III ANTIOQUIA’S BEST CUP CONTEST. This is the third year of the event (and second one we participate in), that Governor Sergio Fajardo’s program and motto ANTIOQUIA LA MAS EDUCADA, hosts this important venue, which has been fundamental in positioning  Antioquia’s producers as leaders of the Colombia specialty coffee market. The governor’s office has dedicated a serious amount of time and resources (Over US13 million) into this program: Antioquia, origin of Specialty Coffees. Part of the he program entails building a total of 80 high technology Educational parks, in remote municipalities, within the period of June 2014 through December 31st, at the end of his term.

The region of Antioquia, with over 130,000 hectares planted in coffee, produces roughly 1.8 million bags of coffee, (about 15% of Colombia’s total output). Antioquia has 90,000 coffee producing families distributed within 94 municipalities. The average plantation is approximately 3-5 hectares, and growers live on the revenues of coffee, combined with those of small-scale banana, fruits and beans plantations. Most of producers have been producing coffee for three or four generations, and coffee is their passion and their livelihood.

Another part of the program, which is driven by education, is the NUEVA GENERACION CAFETERA (New Coffee Generation) in which young producers aging between 15 and 25 meet during 4-5 days at camp to receive training in coffee harvesting, processing, milling roasting, barista training, etc.  Each camp, held twice a year, brings in over 1,000 young participants! This highlights the importance of education being the engine of social change for the region.

The BEST OF ANTIOQUIA III cupping and micro-lot selection took place at Granja Esteban Jaramillo in the municipality of Venecia. The National Juror had selected 62 samples from the previous 360 samples, which had made the first screening.

For four consecutive days, the international jury, composed of 40 participants coming from countries as far as Korea, Italy, Australia and USA, cupped and graded the 62 final micro-lot samples.

On the fifth day, the winning producers of these 62 coffees were invited to join us for lunch and meetings at the Granja Esteban Jaramillo, where the cupping had taken place. The day’s highlight was the parade of these producers and their families as they entered the location. (More than 300 people representing most coffee municipalities of Antioquia attended this important event.) It was very emotional for all! We had the opportunity of meeting each one of the 62 producers (and families) and participate in an open round table dialogue with them. This was fundamental moment to exchange ideas and thoughts on coffee between producers and potential buyers.

THE AWARD CEREMONY and AUCTION

On the fifth day of the event, the award Ceremony to the first 10 finalists and an auction of the winning micro-lots had been scheduled at Medellin’s luscious Jardin Botánico.

Governor Sergio Fajardo and staff from the Comite de Cafeteros de Antioquia, and Central Government were present at the award ceremony that morning. The top ten producers received honorary awards and bonus checks granted by the Governor’s office, at a very emotional ceremony.

At the end of the day, the total of 62 lots were auctioned at a very intense three-hour event. The bidding became very aggressive between buyers from Korea and USA specifically for the Top First ten lots. Prices ranged from US $31.50/lb. (top price) paid to number 1 lot, to US 2.60/lb. (which was the minimum offering price). We were glad to be able to secure a total of 11 micro lots from different categories out of the 62 auctioned. This was our way of showing our continuous support to the Best of Antioquia program.

One of the advantages of the action is that the terms are very clear and transparent. The producer is receiving the full premium of the auction price, after subtracting the shipping, milling and export tax expenses. These premiums and special recognition are a real incentive for them to improve on quality and for some to invest in processing and drying facilities.

The next day, we had opportunity of meeting with the producers and families, which we bought the coffee from. This was a very enriching and inspirational experience for everyone! We are proud to see how this special program has brought so many benefits to the families who produce the coffee, and to the healthy development and growth of the region.