Las Mingas Project: A New Collaboration with Colombian Farmers

Published Feb 1, 2008

On a trip to the Colombian highlands, Gimme CEO Kevin Cuddeback met with farmers of the Las Mingas Project, an association of smallholders who focus on quality coffee and sustainable relationships with specialty roasters. Kevin sampled delicious coffee while meeting with the growers, and we're now roasting our first harvest of Colombia Las Mingas Relationship Coffee.

A New Collaboration with Farmers

Relationship coffee is a new model of coffee trading. Instead of buying coffee at a distance, roasters and growers meet in person to travel the farms, discuss coffee quality, and make an exchange. The trading process is transparent — farmers take an active role in establishing the market value of their product. They gain bargaining power through knowledge, and receive a fair price that is not vulnerable to commodity market fluctuations. In his first meeting with the Las Mingas farmers, Kevin bought 4 tons of amazing coffee at a premium above the Fair Trade rate.

Benefits of Relationship Coffee

Relationship coffee is a win-win-win: it's beneficial for farmers, roasters, and consumers. Among the benefits:

• Growers and roasters meet in person.
• The trading process is transparent.
• Farmers learn the market value of their coffee.
• Farmers gain bargaining power.
• Farmers get a fair price that's safe from market fluctuation.
• Their premium earnings improve the farming community.
• Roasters and farmers collaborate to build a brand name.
• The “Las Mingas” brand gains value over time.
• Consumers get top-quality beans.
• Consumers know that farmers are paid fairly.

Las Mingas Beans

Brewed at home in a French press, our Las Mingas yields a fragrant, mellow Colombian medium-roast. Nutmeg, molasses, and tart granny smith flavors make this our version of a warm apple pie. Keep sipping, and you'll get the depth and complexity: light yellow bitters, a crisp body, and a nose that goes on and on. You can get 1-pound bags in our espresso bars or shipped right to you, fresh from the roast.

Traveling to Origin

Kevin traveled to Colombia to experience coffee farming first-hand and develop a relationship with growers. Learn more about his trip to the Las Mingas Project.

Each year, we send a few Gimme staff members to visit farms that produce amazing coffee. Learn more about our coffee travels.