We have been buying coffee from the Bio Arabica R.L. cooperative in the Caranavi region for five harvests in a row. This year, for the first time, we received a coffee grown and harvested by one single farm that is part of the cooperative. That way, we know exactly which family has cultivated the coffee on which plot of land.

It is not easy for the producers in the region to come up with the necessary financial means to invest in post-harvest processing machinery. For this reason, and because many of the producers only cultivate small quantities of coffee, the processing is often done in centralized washing stations instead of every farm processing their own coffee.

The co-op unites 45 mostly young producers – the average age of the producers is around 32 years. They mainly grow coffee, but also some fruit. Elías and the other members are committed to conserving biodiversity. They contribute to reforestation by planting trees, which nurture the soil and also provide shade for the coffee trees. True to the cooperative's name, the coffee was produced organically as well as under Fairtrade conditions.

Many farmers in the region prefer to grow the coca leaf instead of coffee. This is an issue for the coffee production. Coca can be harvested up to six times a year and offers attractive revenue opportunities. It therefore takes a lot for a coffee producer to remain loyal to coffee production. But it's not just up to them, it is also essential that a fair price is being paid to the producers in order for them not only to cover the day-to-day costs, but to pay for necessary investments, such as farming equipment, as well. Our purchasing price is around 8% higher than two years ago. As of this year, we are paying CHF 1 on top in order to specifically receive coffee from Elías's farm rather than the whole cooperative.

The producers of the Bio Arabica R.L. test and experiment with new coffee varieties and they constantly plant new trees. This, in combination with their ever growing  experience, leads to improved quality and bigger harvests.

This coffee is low in acidity, sweet and balanced, and has notes of malt, almonds or nuts. A slight note reminding us of eucalyptus freshens up the cup. The coffee is ideal for both coffee drinkers who are just about to discover the world of specialty coffee as well as everyone who does not enjoy acidity and fruity coffees too much.