El Sendero

We found this coffee through our friends at Prisma Coffee. Eduardo Ambrocio and his team have been working with Cooperativa El Sendero (The Path Cooperative) to help improve their quality control and identify specialty coffees. The cooperative was founded in 2018, with 13 farms and has since grown to 635 small-holding members. Each member delivers coffee to the cooperative, where the exceptional lots are separated and sold to specialty buyers like us for a premium. The premium is paid to the delivering cooperative member and is a recognition of the quality of the coffee. This year’s lot was grown by Juan Marcos. El Sendero is a particularly interesting cooperative. Their focus recognising both quality and quantity in coffee production is special. Not all high-grown, single estate, and single varietal coffee would be high quality, but it still needs to be sold. By selling to both specialty and commercial buyers, the cooperative has diversified their income streams and is able to acknowledge growers of the best coffees. Their exposure to the commercial market means they have an avenue for their large volume as well.