Regional Details:
For many years Tolima has remained hidden in plain sight between other well-known coffee growing regions because armed conflict and coca leaf production isolated small coffee producers and exposed them to high rates of violence. As conflict has subsided in recent years, locally organized associations have taken the lead in creating market access for their coffee. Strategies like certifications have dominated this region's ability to differentiate coffee in a competitive market. It’s know surprise that Tolima’s associations have taken the lead on regenerative practices, the newest of the certification trends in coffee.
Sourcing Details:
This traceable blend with a vibrant regional profile comes from an association called Asociación de Tecnólogos y Productores Agropecuarios de Bilbao (ASOTBILBAO), which has 48 producers with small farms in the municipalities of Bilbao. This group of graduates from Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA), who formed ASOTBILBAO, are youngsters raised on a multigenerational commitment for exquisite coffee processing and loving care for their farms and the environment. And they are also not afraid to embrace innovation and apply new ways of managing their birthright. So there should be no surprise to see that ASOTBILBAO has recently established a training program for producers to become certified in regenerative farming.
Processing Details:
During the harvest, each producer has their own micro-mill where they carefully harvest cherries, depulp, ferment, wash and gently dry the parchment on raised beds. Their impeccable farm management and post-harvest practices culminate into a clean and consistent blend. But there are also just enough differences from farm to farm to create a rich complexity of flavors.
Exporter Details:
An export company called Mastercol provides crucial logistical support for things like warehousing and milling coffee for export to the international market, which provides better income for everyone to reinvest in their farms and strengthen their families’ livelihoods.
