Tracer Coffee, an emerging player in the coffee roasting industry, has embarked on a mission to establish a seamless link between the fertile coffee regions of Colombia and the vibrant coffee scene in Charleston, South Carolina. This innovative enterprise, spearheaded by Gina Cordoba in Charleston and Eduardo Calle in Antioquia, Colombia, prioritizes a direct trade model, ensuring complete transparency and ethical sourcing from farm to cup. By focusing on the unique narratives of Colombian origins, Tracer Coffee offers discerning consumers an array of meticulously cultivated and processed coffee varieties, championing both exceptional quality and equitable practices for growers.

The company, officially launched last year, is actively engaged in both direct-to-consumer sales and collaborations with select wholesale partners. Their commitment to traceability is evident in their curated selection of coffees, which includes rare and sought-after varieties like Gesha, Chiroso, and Bourbon Cidra. This dedication extends beyond product offerings, as Tracer Coffee frequently participates in pop-up events across Charleston, providing patrons with an immersive experience through expertly prepared manual pourovers and refreshing flash-chilled brews, all crafted from single-origin, microlot beans.

Gina Cordoba, co-founder of Tracer Coffee, emphasizes the company's core values: unwavering commitment to traceability, pristine cup profiles, and shared ethical principles. She highlights their partnerships with farms that practice sustainable agriculture, including shade-grown cultivation and environmentally responsible methods. Furthermore, these producers are at the forefront of innovation, particularly in post-harvest processing techniques. Cordoba articulates a flavor philosophy centered on clarity, balance, and brightness, underpinned by the crucial element of personal relationships with their coffee producers, ensuring a deeper connection to the source.

Cordoba's personal journey, rooted in Colombia before her move to the United States at age 14, provides a profound connection to the coffee-growing regions. Meanwhile, Eduardo Calle manages his family's Rainforest Alliance-certified farm in Concordia, Antioquia, situated approximately 1,850 meters above sea level. This nine-hectare farm exemplifies sustainable practices, with coffee plants thriving under the protective canopy of native shade trees. The farm is a hub of innovation, experimenting with diverse fermentation and drying methods, and actively shares its invaluable knowledge and resources with neighboring agricultural communities.

Cordoba describes the Tracer Coffee team as small yet highly engaged, making every decision collaboratively, from intricate fermentation techniques to the aesthetic design of their product labels. This hands-on approach ensures that the brand is a genuine reflection of their individual backgrounds, deeply held values, and collective mission. Eduardo Calle meticulously handles the crucial stages of roasting and sample cupping in Colombia, while Cordoba oversees the complex logistics of exporting and importing. This direct management of the entire supply chain, from Colombia to the U.S., allows Tracer Coffee to offer above-market rates to producers, recognizing and rewarding their dedication and effort.

In Charleston, Cordoba collaborates with The Coffee Run in Summerville, South Carolina, for the production roasting of their batches, utilizing a Mill City Roasters machine. Her professional background, which includes customer relations at Apple and founding a digital marketing and e-commerce business, has equipped her with a unique blend of systematic thinking and human understanding. Cordoba views Tracer Coffee as the convergence of her Colombian heritage, her strong belief in ethical business practices, and her innate ability to forge meaningful brand connections with consumers.

Looking ahead, Tracer Coffee is developing a comprehensive \"Farm to Cup\" educational series, designed to offer customers an in-depth understanding of the intricate coffee production process. The coming year will also see a strong emphasis on expanding their wholesale operations, aiming to supply more cafes and hospitality establishments. A long-term aspiration includes the establishment of a flagship cafe in Charleston within the next one to two years. This envisioned space will transcend the traditional coffee shop model, evolving into a multifaceted hub for education, community events, storytelling, and interactive workshops—a true \"coffee meets community lab.\"