Colombia Villa Mercedes

Country/Region: Colombia/Huila

Varietal: Castillo, Cenicafé

Processing: Washed

Elevation: 1450 m.a.s.l.

We Taste: Red Apple, Plum, Chamomile 

Produced by Daniela Diaz Cumbe, this coffee comes from Villa Mercedes, a family-owned farm acquired by Daniela's parents in 1985. Located in Huila, Colombia, the farm sits at 1450 metres above sea level. 

The farm became Daniela's mother's sole responsibility when her father passed. Upon graduating, Daniela decided to join the family business in coffee farming, and Daniela's mother imparted everything she knew to her and her siblings. Carrying on the legacy left behind by their father, this shaped Daniela's affection for coffee. 

This coffee was exported through Coocentral, one of the primary cooperatives in Central Huila. The cooperative works with over 3700 member farms, which typically range from 2-3 hectares, growing varietals such as Caturra, Castillo, and Variedad Colombia. 

This particular lot was specially selected in collaboration with Nordic Approach, through their smallholder project aimed to improve coffee quality as well as livelihoods of the producers. This smallholder project involves investments in technical support, ongoing guidance, and training. Presently 70 producers are part of this project, with potential expansion in the future. 

Since 2005, Coocentral has invested USD 2.8 million in social programs to provide housing, education, healthcare support, alongside farm infrastructure and fertiliser purchases. By making sure producers receive 100% of the premium above the market rate, they help to increase their income and reward higher quality coffee production.