On the 28th of June, we held our sixth edition of Full Circle. It is an annual event that connects roasters and producers in the DRWakefield community. A day of in-depth coffee talks, discussions and tastings, it is a unique opportunity to network with coffee professionals working throughout the supply chain and hear diverse perspectives on coffee.
We were joined by keynote speakers working in Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia and Rwanda, and the British Coffee Association. We also tasted some delicious coffees from the mentioned origins on the cupping tables.
If you didn’t get the chance to attend this year you will still get an opportunity to see the presentations – we filmed them all and released them on our YouTube Channel.
Sustainability and Quality in Mantiqueira de Minas
Wellington Pereira: Cocarive, Brazil
Founded in 1961 by enterprising farmers in the Ul de Minas region of Brazil, Cocarive (Cooperativa Regional dos Cafeicultores do Vale do Rio Verde) has steadily expanded over the past 50 years. Currently, Cocarive is focused on enhancing their milling capacity and anticipates doubling their overall volumes within the next five years. The Mantiqueira de Minas region has a protected designation of origin (PDO) because of regions renowned coffee reputation and optimal growing conditions. Producers from this region have been among the Cup of Excellence finalists 358 times.
Wellington tells us more about how it began, how it’s going, their development projects and more.
A Guide to Colombia
Hernan Vergara Serrano: Racafe, Colombia
Racafe, one of Colombia’s leading exporters of specialty coffee, began life in Cundinamarca in 1929 and remains a family business to this day. It represents over 5,000 individual producers and 45 producer groups.
In this presentation, Hernan discusses the geography of Colombia and its impact on coffee profiles, the coffee cultivation process, coffee varieties, and cultural diversity. He also touches on Racafe’s approach to sustainability through a standard called CRECER that they launched in early 2019.
The Push for Action on Deforestation – who, what, where, when and how?
Paul Rooke: British Coffee Association
Paul explored the implications of deforestation legislation and provided insights on how to navigate these murky waters. This presentation aimed to answer some frequently asked questions and address the doubts and concerns that many in the coffee community have regarding the legislation. Rooke’s thoughtful and informative presentation shed light on the importance of sustainability in the coffee industry, and how it can be achieved through responsible sourcing and supply chain management.
Empowering Women in Coffee
Jacqueline Turner: Kinini, Rwanda
R & B Import Export Ltd was founded in March 2012 by two directors, Malcolm Clear and Jaqueline Turner. Jaqueline is a key member of the International Women’s Coffee Association (IWCA). They partnered with over 633 local farmers and the local government in Rulindo district, covering 252 hectares of coffee growing land in the Rusiga and Mbogo sectors. The coffee is processed at their washing station, Kinini. Most of the producers are widows from the Rwandan genocide.
This presentation provides insight into how these Rwandan women were empowered, as well as the struggles faced by women who produce coffee.
Projects for the Future: Coopedota Mujer and New Generations of Coopedota
Monserrat Hernández Sánchez: Coopedota, Costa Rica
Coopedota was founded in 1960 when a group of 96 producers pooled $250. They are now widely recognized for their quality and sustainable practices throughout Costa Rica. Monserrat explores various coffee-related challenges, including farm productivity, climate change, and cooperative financing.
Also highlighted are two of Coopedota’s new projects, “Microdota Mujer” and “New Generations of Coopedota.”
