How I met a true superpower and why my heart (and my coffee) is committed to empowering women coffee producers in Central America

My Best Discovery Yet:

Finding the Superpower of Women Coffee Producers

Seven or eight years ago, while I was wandering through a busy coffee expo (I might have accidentally bumped into a few people, I get a little clumsy when I’m excited!), the spark for this partnership was ignited.

I met a bright, warm woman who introduced me to Bean Voyage. She wasn’t just talking about coffee; she was talking about futures! She shared the vital work they were doing with women coffee producers in Central America, a region where access to education and independence is often deeply limited. Bean Voyage was a champion for these women. Helping them build businesses, futures, and independence through training programs, mentorship, and seed funding.

Hearing about the impact of their work was just so inspiring!

At the time, I was focusing on sourcing micro-lots from underrepresented, smaller farms. When I saw that Bean Voyage was already executing this exact mission, our path was clear: instead of starting a separate initiative, we decided to join forces.

We chose to do it together.

The Unbreakable Promise:

Why My Clever Brain Chose Ethical Sourcing Over the Math

From that first encounter, I made a permanent commitment that defines our ethical coffee sourcing. Every Costa Rican coffee we bring in comes through Bean Voyage and Bean Voyage only. No exceptions! My logical, clever coffee-brain knows that if we were only looking at the margins, we would have sourced our beans elsewhere. But we chose meaning over convenience.

This long-term commitment is the core of our partnership because I truly believe that if my consistent sourcing can create even a small, tangible shift in a woman grower’s life, that is invaluable. The impact of their holistic Thriving Business Framework (which focuses on economic growth, gender justice, and environmental protection) is truly immense!

The Shout-Out That Mattered:

Why Your Love for Our Transparency is My Final Ingredient

The community response to this partnership has been powerful. Highlighting this story, especially on occasions like International Women’s Day, resonated deeply with our audience.

You guys reached out to tell me how much you loved the transparency and purpose. You felt the human story behind every cup of specialty coffee. Even some of our partner brands were moved!

It served as a vital reminder: community doesn’t just come from shared spaces, but from shared values. This partnership has shaped my perspective, reminding me that every sourcing decision is an opportunity to contribute. I look forward to many more years of working with this amazing team, who helped me discover the superpower of purpose, carrying their mission forward with every bag of Costa Rican specialty coffee roasted.

Frequently Asked Questions:Ethical Coffee

Q. What is the partnership between De Mello Coffee and Bean Voyage?

A. The partnership with Bean Voyage is a long-term commitment to a transparent and ethical coffee supply chain. De Mello sources its Costa Rican coffee exclusively through Bean Voyage, ensuring the coffee comes from empowered women coffee producers who are fairly compensated.

Q. How does Bean Voyage help women coffee farmers?

A. Bean Voyage provides comprehensive support to women farmers through their Thriving Business Framework, which includes education, financial grants, and market access. This framework is designed to help women lead successful, sustainable businesses and earn more for their high-quality specialty coffee.

Q. Is Bean Voyage a fair trade organization?

A. While not a traditional "fair trade" organization, Bean Voyage operates on a direct trade model that often results in higher prices and better living conditions for farmers. They focus on building long-term, equitable relationships and providing education to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Q. Why is supporting women in coffee important?

A. Supporting women coffee producers helps close the gender equity gap in the coffee industry. When women have access to education and leadership opportunities, they not only improve their businesses but also contribute to the economic well-being and social stability of their entire communities.