History
Coffee cultivation began in Colombia in the late 1700s. By the mid-20th century, the country had become synonymous with quality Arabica. The Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia (FNC), founded in 1927, played a key role in brand-building through initiatives like “Juan Valdez,” which also spearheaded the roasted coffee segment domestically and abroad.
Production Regions
- Eje Cafetero (Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda): Traditional heartland of Colombian coffee; produces balanced, nutty, and fruity roasts.
- Antioquia: Diverse profiles; chocolatey and creamy notes; increasing specialty output.
- Huila: Known for bright acidity, floral and citrus notes; a major specialty origin.
- Nariño: High-altitude region with sweet, complex cups and high demand for microlots.
- Tolima: Smooth and clean profiles; strong focus on organic and sustainable production.
- Cauca: Volcanic soils and microclimates deliver vibrant acidity and layered flavors.
- Sierra Nevada (Magdalena): Shade-grown coffee with earthy and herbal notes; includes Indigenous farming communities.
Growing Conditions
- Altitude: 1,200–2,200 meters.
- Climate: Equatorial highland; bimodal rainfall patterns allow multiple harvests.
- Rainfall: 1,500–2,500 mm/year.
- Soil: Volcanic, rich in organic matter and well-drained.
- Harvest Cycle: Two harvests in many regions (main + mitaca), enabling year-round fresh roasting.
Harvesting Process
- Method: Hand-picked selective harvesting across steep terrains.
- Post-Harvest: Wet/washed process is standard; includes fermentation, washing, and sun/machine drying.
- Drying: Raised beds, patios, and mechanical dryers depending on region and scale.
Cultivation Methods
- 100% Arabica: Robusta is not commercially grown in Colombia.
- Smallholder Focus: ~95% of farms are under 5 ha; often family-operated.
- Shade-Grown Systems: Common for biodiversity and cup quality.
- Sustainability Programs: Widely adopted, including Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade.
Supply Chain
- Flow: Farmer → Cooperative or Private Buyer → Roaster → Distributor/Exporter.
- Domestic Roasters: Include Juan Valdez, Oma, Devoción, and hundreds of micro-roasters.
- Export Roasters: Many Colombian brands now export roasted beans directly under origin labeling.
Local Logistics
- Roasting Centers: Bogotá, Medellín, Armenia, Pereira, and Cali.
- Ports: Buenaventura, Cartagena, and Santa Marta.
- Transport: Coffee transported from mountain farms to roasting hubs via road networks.
Regulations and Certifications
- Regulatory Body: Federación Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC).
- Certifications: Café de Colombia PGI, Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and ISO.
- Traceability: Standard for specialty roasts and microlots; QR codes often used on packaging.
Quality Standards
- Moisture Content (Roasted): 1.5–2.5%.
- Roast Types: Light to medium for specialty; darker for traditional Colombian brews.
- Flavor Profiles: Balanced acidity, caramel sweetness, fruit, floral and nutty notes.
- Defect Control: Green beans used for roasted coffee are strictly sorted; minimal defects allowed.
Trade Terms
- Exports (2023 est.): ~30,000 MT of roasted coffee beans.
- HS Code: 090122 (roasted, non-decaffeinated).
- Top Markets: US, Canada, Chile, Europe (especially Germany, UK, Netherlands), South Korea.
- Packaging: 250 g – 1 kg retail packs, 5–10 kg café bags, 60–70 kg bulk cartons.
- Pricing: Premium prices for specialty single-origin and microlot roasts.
Environmental Impact
- Ecosystem Preservation: Common use of agroforestry, shade trees, and biodiversity corridors.
- Water Use: Wet processing plants use water recycling systems.
- Carbon-Neutral Initiatives: Led by FNC and private roasters to reduce CO₂ emissions.
- Climate Risks: Coffee rust (roya), shifting rain patterns, and rising temperatures in lowlands.
Social Impact
- Employment: Over 500,000 families involved in coffee; key rural employer.
- Women in Coffee: Increasing presence in cupping, roasting, farm management.
- Youth Engagement: Entrepreneurship, barista training, and tech-driven traceability programs.
- Community Development: Coffee revenues support schools, clinics, and road infrastructure.
Uses
- Retail Coffee: Widely consumed domestically in whole bean and ground formats.
- Espresso and Drip Coffee: Light-to-medium roasts used in cafés and export markets.
- Capsules and Pods: Colombian roasted beans featured in Nespresso and private-label capsules.
- Microlot Roasts: Featured in third-wave cafés globally as single-origin offerings.
- Instant Coffee Base: High-quality roasted beans used for premium soluble coffee.