La Golondrina

Coffee exporter, Caravela, introduced us to the Orgánica Cooperative, producers of La Golondrina, more than a decade ago. At that time, the coffee-growing association was still establishing itself as a viable organization. Nelson Melo and his wife, Liliana Pabón—both who have backgrounds in organizing—galvanized a handful of growers to sell coffee to Caravela for the first time in 2005. The producers had belonged to larger, regional cooperatives before forming Orgánica in hopes of finding recognition for their high-quality product and more accountability from the organization. The farms of Orgánica's members are located in the southwestern Colombian region of Cauca, in the villages of Timbio, Guayabal, and Piendamó, and they range in size from 1 to 20 hectares. 

In the past, many of Colombia's tiny, family-run farms have sold their coffee to exporters for mass-market blending and homogenization, causing many of the country's most exquisite coffees to get lost in the mix. Our partnership with the growers of La Golondrina creates stable pricing and helps us work with Caravela to identify, isolate, and pay premiums for the best lots.

By producing high-quality coffee according to the rules of organic certification, the growers of La Golondrina achieve what many have deemed impossible in the volume and productivity-focused country of Colombia. Over the past decade, the consistent quality of this offering is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all parties involved in this supply stream.