CCS was first introduced to Collective Bean through a mutual colleague as a simple “you should meet and explore possibilities" suggestion. As a small sourcing company, we are very selective in where we work, and more importantly, how we work. So, when it comes to committing to working with a new supplier, we are often taking our time, deciding over the course of multiple harvest cycles. This allows us to weigh the risks and rewards and to iron out any complications inherent in exporting from a specific origin. Those familiar with Peru’s coffee exportation will know that this origin presents unique challenges, so we approached this new opportunity with Collective Bean with particular care. However, there are instances when opportunities arise and unfold so naturally there is no need for hesitation.
Over the course of several discussions with Cynthia Landeo (Founder and CEO) and Alberto Rivas (COO and Q Grader), we discovered that Collective Bean not only adheres to their values of Transparency, Flexibility, Collectivity, and Shared Knowledge, aligning with our own values, but also shares the same standards for sourcing, processing and sorting, communication, and ethical business practices.
We arranged to meet Cynthia and Alberto in Boston, with a plan to cup some Type Samples. The experience exceeded our expectations, not only in terms of coffee quality but also in the remarkable resilience of the coffees, even as past crop lots. Alongside the lots, Cynthia presented comprehensive data they had collected from the various regions of Peru, showcasing a dedication to their foundational pillars.
Detailed lot information is often challenging to obtain, especially when working with micro-lot producers in vast and remote regions. Collective Bean's proactive approach to transparency made our process of due diligence immensely quicker. It was clear that they understood how communicating farm data and lot information at the start adds even more value to their already outstanding product.
With an average of 63% of income distribution allocated to coffee collection, Cynthia has structured a supply chain that prioritizes the producer.
Cynthia told us “I got into [coffee exportation] because I wanted to contribute to change the supply chain. I fell in love with coffee and coffee farmers and felt that my knowledge could help.” And she undoubtedly has. You can see the impact she, and Alberto, have had in every stage of the supply chain, improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers, providing them with the necessary support to sustain their operations, and making the international market accessible. The end result is a product that is traceable and a partnership characterized by trust.
We are so excited to share with you a selection of exceptional micro-lots from Manuel Marlo, Consuelo Rubio, and Bee Cause We Care 365, a non-profit organization that works with a group of coffee farmers on reforestation and bee keeping in the Machu Picchu area. The quality level and unique varietal profiles of these lots are a direct reflection of Peru's diverse landscape and micro-climates, as well as consistent joint efforts made by Collective Bean to invest in and support the Peruvian specialty coffee market.
From the Farm/Co-op specific PDF brochures they have self-produced to the interaction packed social media presence they have built on their Instagram (@collectivebean.peru), it is clear that Collective Bean, along with the farmers and co-operatives that they represent, form a special group aligned in building a promising future for the Peruvian specialty coffee market. We are incredibly lucky and grateful to have been given the opportunity to bring their coffee to the US and we look forward to working alongside Collective Bean to deliver the best, and most transparent and sustainable coffee we can from Peru.