The Real Cost of Coffee
80% of the world’s coffee is produced by 25 million small-scale coffee farmers, most of whom produce coffee at a loss ($1.55 per 450 grams) and live in poverty. Farming coffee has gotten to be so unprofitable for farmers that they are abandoning coffee production for something that will put food on the table. Mass coffee production also destroys the environment.
SERVE JUSTICE WHEN YOU SERVE COFFEE
As a community of Christ-followers who believe actions are an expression of faith, you, through the Collective Cup house blend, can empower local farmers who are able to realize the equitable benefits from their labours. This is coffee served with dignity & justice, which makes your private label coffee truly delicious. All while supporting majority world entrepreneurs through Venture, CBM’s marketplace engagement initiative.
About the Coffee
When a bag of Collective Cup is opened, the sweet scent of chocolate, sugar cane, plum and raisins deliciously waft out. This blend offers a smooth, rich flavour that energizes as it coats tastebuds.
Collective Cup comes from Calera farm, which belongs to seven brothers. The coffee trees thrive among tall pine tree forests and the farm is blessed with a specific cool climate providing optimal conditions for coffee production. This blend is washed processed coffee – after the harvest, the outer skin and fruit flesh are washed away and the coffee is then spread on patios where they dry in about 10 days.
Calera extends through a mountain facing Trifinio biosphere reserve where the borders of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras meet. The farm is a true ecological sanctuary for preserving biodiversity, with approximately 300 bird species. During the picking season, Calera provides work for as many as 200 locals with fair wages and benefits.
Here’s How it Works
CBM Supports Majority World Entrepreneurs
Through Vennture, CBM continues to work with partners around the world to alleviate poverty and fight injustice by supporting small business owners in the majority world.
Collective of Farmers
A collective of farmers in El Salvador produces coffee that uses sustainable, environmentally sound practices. The coffee is shade-grown and protects the forest and water resources. Farmers receive a fair share and are paid a day’s wage rather than by the pound.
You, Your Church, or Your Business
When you, your church, or your business serves justice through your private label Collective Cup coffee, you demonstrate what you value: responsibility, integrity, community, and fairness.
Serve it at Home, at Your Church, or Your Business
When you, your church, or your business serves Collective Cup coffee, you empower the collective in El Salvador. You also support majority world entrepreneurs through CBM and Vennture.
Learn More about Collective Cup
Gustavo Castelar, the roaster for Collective Cup has provided us with some helpful videos on how to get the most of your coffee drinking experience.
What to Consider When Buying Coffee
How to Brew a Perfect French Press Coffee
How to Brew a Perfect Pour Over Coffee
How the Beans are Grown and Roasted
Bean Flavour
Learn how beans are processed and roasted in this video. If you want to follow along, you can download and print the tasting mat Gustavo uses.
The team was excited when our coffee arrived – it smelled so great coming out of the box! We look forward to our monthly delivery to keep the staff caffeinated with a product that brings equity and justice to coffee farmers.