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The coffee roastery Alps Coffee sources the beans for its 25 coffee varieties from 17 countries along the equator – including Peru, a country with a long tradition of coffee cultivation. At the end of August, a small group of passionate coffee lovers embarked on a special journey – to the origins of coffee and to the people and places that also shape the character of Alps Coffee varieties.
This excursion not only aimed to experience coffee where it grows, but also served a good cause: supporting the aid organisation “Südtirol hilft”, which has been helping people in need for many years. After a long flight and full of anticipation, the travel group arrived in the Peruvian capital of Lima – a city of contrasts between modern urbanity and colonial heritage.
On a guided tour of the historic centre, the participants immersed themselves in Peru’s vibrant history and encountered some first facets of this fascinating country. The next morning, a domestic flight took them to the green north of Peru, to Chachapoyas. From there, the journey continued to Jaén, into the heart of Peru’s coffee-growing region, where the ASOCIACION DE PRODUCTORES HUABAL COFFEE cooperative provided impressive insights into its work, its values, and the people behind it. The origins of coffee could be experienced with all senses. The glimpse behind the scenes of quality control and cupping, where the fine aromas and flavours of the coffees were tasted, was particularly impressive. But it wasn’t all about taste: in discussions with the producers, key topics such as climate change, the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR), certifications, specialty coffee and innovation took centre stage. It became quite clear how much care and expertise goes into every cup of coffee. After this exciting start, the travel group continued their journey to the impressive heights of the Andes – to more coffee farms surrounded by nature, where Peruvian coffee farmers gave hands-on demonstrations of the processing process from the coffee cherry up to the processed green coffee.
After this exciting start, the travel group continued their journey to the impressive heights of the Andes – to more coffee farms surrounded by nature, where Peruvian coffee farmers gave hands-on demonstrations of the processing process from the coffee cherry up to the processed green coffee. The days in Jaén were devoted to organic and Fairtrade farming. On a visit to an organic Fairtrade cooperative, the participants learned first-hand what it means to work together for a sustainable future – for people and nature. The insights into cooperative structures and organic farming were not only educational but also inspiring.
On the last day, the group visited the company COMERCIO AMAZONIA S.A., where the harvested and dried green coffee is freed from its parchment skin, then cleaned and optically selected. The coffee, now ready for export, undergoes a quality cupping and is packed in traditional 69-kg jute bags. From there, it is transported to the port on the Pacific coast and shipped all over the world. Full of impressions and with a new understanding of the people and stories behind coffee, the group set off on their journey home after eventful few days.
