COLOMBIA - FRANCY CASTILLO'S FANCY VARIETIES

In the summer of 2023, we had the privilege of being welcomed in Colombia's Nariño region by none other than the remarkable Francy Castillo. Following her enthusiastic footsteps and her beaming laugh, we made our way up to 2,000 metres of altitude along a narrow and demanding trail, finally arriving at her coffee farm. The view across the mountains was breathtaking, and Francy's hospitality even more so.

Francy is an extraordinary woman — not only for her exceptional expertise, but also for the dedication she shows to her community. She works her own farm and family lands, while also collaborating with over 900 small producers in her region. She oversees the Berruecos project, which consolidates cherries from local smallholders at her collection point. This initiative gives isolated producers access to the specialty coffee market, allowing them to earn premium prices. The project generates larger, more manageable lots sourced from outstanding farms and producers.