A specialty coffee trader based in Kirkland, Washington, has introduced its first Peruvian offerings through a unique partnership model. The San Cristobal Coffee Importers collaborated with a Mexican exporter and an internship program to bring high-quality coffees from Peru's COOPAGRY cooperative to North America. This endeavor aims to empower smallholder farmers by capturing more value for their produce through advanced quality management systems.
Pioneering Partnership Boosts Peruvian Coffee Farmers
In the heart of Peru's central jungle region of Junín, a new chapter unfolds for the coffee industry. Here, amidst lush landscapes and high-altitude plantations, lies COOPAGRY, a cooperative established by the third-generation Vivanco family. Known for its organically grown, shaded coffee, this area faced limited access to premium global markets until now. In 2023, four members of the Vivanco family initiated a transformative journey by founding COOPAGRY. They ventured into Mexico for an internship at CAFESUMEX, gaining invaluable knowledge on enhancing coffee quality and capacity building during the 2024 harvest.
This successful training led to a partnership with San Cristobal Coffee Importers, who became the cooperative’s distributor in North America. A pivotal aspect of this alliance is the deployment of the FincaLab/CAFESUMEX portable coffee laboratory—a cutting-edge quality management system. Initially developed with GTNay in Mexico, it now supports over 600 producers there and has been implemented in Ethiopia as well. During its inaugural year, COOPAGRY engaged approximately 100 local smallholders, balancing daily needs with reserving portions of their harvest for this innovative project.
These reserved coffees were meticulously managed through the FincaLab system, culminating in an entire container of top-grade Arabica coffee destined for the United States. Although specific purchase terms remain undisclosed, San Cristobal acquired the shipment at a competitive rate, enabling COOPAGRY members to reinvest significantly in future crops. This venture not only increased the income of participating families but also paved the way for sustainable growth. The Vivanco family is currently investing in constructing a centralized wet mill and a permanent cupping lab to enhance efficiency and quality.
San Cristobal, with decades of experience in Mexican coffee production and recent ventures into Ethiopian offerings, is now accepting pre-orders for the upcoming Peruvian crop. Their initial harvest boasts rich flavors characterized by dark chocolate and citrus notes, complemented by sweet fruit undertones such as apple, grape, and fig, alongside delicate floral or spice accents like rose, cinnamon, and black pepper.
From a journalist's perspective, this collaboration exemplifies how strategic partnerships can revolutionize traditional farming practices. By integrating modern technology and fostering international connections, COOPAGRY demonstrates the potential for smallholder farmers to thrive globally. This initiative serves as an inspiring blueprint for other agricultural communities seeking to elevate their presence in competitive markets while preserving their cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. It highlights the importance of innovation, cooperation, and forward-thinking strategies in achieving long-term success and sustainability in the coffee industry.