Our collaboration involves two close supplier relationships, allowing us to shape unique flavour profiles. The Caballeros are known for their consistent, clean profiles. This is attributed to their focus on processing, unique cultivars, and ownership of the dry-milling process. They assume complete control of their coffees from the moment they are picked on the farms, to the final stage of preparation for export. This level of control ensures that the exceptional quality of their coffees is maintained throughout every step.

The Caballeros' diverse farms (sitting between 1400–1600 masl) produce varied flavour profiles influenced by different climates. Recent investments, including an Apollo huller and Pinhalense dryer, enhance processing capabilities.

Intibucá coffees, known for defined fruit notes and softer acidity, cater to a broad audience. We collaborate with farms at elevations of 1600-1800 masl. The farmers in the collective work together to implement specialty coffee methods of cultivation, picking, and processing to improve the quality of their coffee. Together they are investing in infrastructure of their wet mills and drying facilities, and putting profits back into their production.

In Honduras, our commitment to transparency in the supply chain is evident through our partnerships, which emphasise traceability and the separation of high-quality microlots—a rarity in the region. Clear communication with suppliers and producers about their production cost structure is essential to ensure that the payments they receive are genuinely beneficial. We maintain open discussions with our suppliers, continually adjusting our volumes and approach based on sales performance and evolving cost structures.

Our reliable partners also play a crucial role in providing producers with valuable knowledge about their coffees, including cupping scores, flavour notes, and the categorization of their lots (blend or microlot). They also inform producers about who is buying their coffee. By sharing honest information that empowers producers, rather than just serving our needs as an importer, we foster a transparent and supportive relationship. This approach helps producers understand market dynamics and client preferences, ultimately contributing to the overall quality and sustainability of the supply chain.

In Honduras, the majority of farmers operate small to medium-sized farms, producing coffee up to the parchment stage. However, they face challenges as they lack the capacity for the subsequent steps of drying, milling, sorting, and grading required for export. This limitation, coupled with a scarcity of service providers catering to smaller-scale production, forces farmers to sell their coffee as a generic regional product without differentiation.

In addressing these issues, our approach involves partnering with mills that facilitate the advancement of these exceptional farmers, such as the collective in Intibucá, led by Rony Gámez. This collective is actively revolutionising coffee production in the region by focusing on creating a market for their coffees and establishing a distinct name for the farmers. Through this partnership, farmers are empowered to market their coffees.

Farmers deliver parchment to a shared mill, where packaging and milling take place. Importantly, this process allows farmers to retain autonomy in negotiating prices. Another significant aspect of this collaboration is the payment structure. Farmers receive their profits in USD, providing them with increased financial stability compared to being paid in their local currency. This multifaceted approach aims to address the challenges faced by Honduran coffee farmers and create opportunities for differentiation and financial empowerment.