The History and Cultural Impact of Colombian Coffee
Coffee is such a vital part of many countries’ histories, and it is no exception for Colombia. Colombia is one of the original coffee-producing countries in the world, and has been an integral part of the nation’s economy since the 19th century. The Colombian coffee industry, even today, is one of the biggest exporters of coffee to the United States and Europe.
Colombian coffee has an impact far beyond economics. For centuries, coffee and its production have been ubiquitous in Colombian culture. Known as “tinto” or “black coffee”, it is a standard in Colombia. Instead of a quick coffee fix, the culture in Colombia is often based around the communal sharing of tinto. This is where a group of people come together, often outdoors, and take part in conversation over a shared pot of coffee. Local music, stories, and laughs are commonly shared among the group. This has proven to be an invaluable tool for creating a sense of community and has been a tradition for generations in the Colombian countryside.
When considering a discussion about Colombian coffee and its connection to Starbucks, a few key facts come into focus. Primarily, the company does not serve 100% Colombian coffee to its customers, despite the fact it markets its drinks frequently as “Columbian”. The reason for this is simple – it’s not rare for lowly priced beans to be found in Starbucks’ products. Many of the beans used are carefully blended in order to keep the cost of production down. The flavor of the beans is quite different, due to the preparation and lower costs. This results in a decently flavored cup of coffee, but one which does not contain the same vibrancy of flavor or complexity as those sourced from Colombian farmers.
Bean Varieties & the Process of Cultivating Coffee
In Colombia, there are numerous varieties of coffee beans that are grown. Arabica beans are the most popular in the country and make up a large percentage of Colombia’s export. Robusta beans, which are also produced, are made for a lower-grade coffee. It’s important to note that Starbucks mostly sources Arabica beans which are used in the most popular brews.
Cultivating coffee in Colombia is a long, arduous process that requires much effort. Firstly, beans are planted in shaded areas and are allowed to ripen slowly on the tree. When it is time to harvest, the beans are picked and then processed and washed. The beans must then be baked and sorted before it is ready for shipment. It’s an incredibly labor intensive industry in the country, and it is this dedication that gives Colombian coffee its superior flavor.
The Coffee Industry & Fair Trade Practices
In recent decades, the coffee industry in Colombia has changed significantly. With the rise of fair-trade practices, the Colombian economy has seen a rise in income from coffee exports. Fair-trade agreements have allowed farmers in Colombia to get a fair price for their products, leading to a higher level of profit. In addition, social programs and fairer labor practices have become commonplace. This has led to improved living conditions in the Colombian countryside and allowed for greater access to quality education and medical care in rural areas.
Despite efforts around fair-trade practices in the coffee industry, Starbucks has recently come under fire for their use of lower quality beans in many of its popular drinks, including their most famous Colombian-branded brews. Many coffee experts have pointed out that this is far below the standard held by coffee producers in Colombia. While the coffee served with the Starbucks’ brand is still of high quality, it does not offer the same level of taste and flavor that many customers expect from a cup of Colombian coffee.
The Starbucks-Colombian Coffee Connection
Starbucks’ use of Colombian coffee has been on the rise since the company’s founding in 1971. Their products have become popular among many coffee-drinkers and the company is one of the largest purchasers of Colombian coffee in the world. Starbucks has worked hard to build relationships with coffee producers in the country and promote fair-trade practices. They directly source all of the green (unroasted) beans used in their drinks.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that the coffee served by Starbucks is not the same as what is available in Colombia. Most of the company’s drinks such as lattes and frappuccinos use a blend of both Colombian and other varieties of beans, resulting in a flavor which is distinct from true Colombian coffee.
Overall, while Starbucks is a major player in the world of Colombian coffee, its products cannot be considered a true representation of Colombian coffee. The quality and flavor profile of the coffee served at their locations is quite distinct compared to what is found in Colombia. As such, the company’s commitment to sourcing the highest quality beans from Colombian farmers should not be overlooked.
Third-Party Coffee Bean Providers for Starbucks
Starbucks does not source its coffee beans exclusively from Colombia. Rather, the company is an active purchaser of coffee beans from many different countries and regions. Additionally, the company often works with third-party providers such as Nestle, Farmer Brothers, and Eight O’Clock Coffee in order to purchase coffee beans.
These third-party providers carry many different varieties of beans, and Starbucks can buy the beans that they need in order to fill their orders. This system allows the company to buy what they need when they need it, ensuring that customers always have access to quality coffees. Furthermore, the company also works closely with coffee farmers in other countries such as Ethiopia, Mexico, and Guatemala in order to source the best beans for their drinks.
Colombian Coffee and Coffee Delivery Services
The coffee industry is rapidly evolving, with coffee delivery and subscription services becoming increasingly popular. This means that consumers can now get access to coffee from a variety of different countries, including Colombia. These services allow customers to choose from a variety of different coffee options and have the beans delivered to their home on a regular basis.
Coffee delivery services have become popular as they provide access to high-quality beans from all over the world. Additionally, customers are also able to purchase single origin coffee which has been sourced directly from a producer. This means that customers can get access to coffee which tastes more like Colombian coffee.
DIY Colombian Coffee with Specialist Roasters
Finally, those who want to experience the flavor of Colombian coffee without leaving their home can use specialty roasts to make their own espresso or cappuccino. A variety of specialty roasters now offer beans from Colombia, allowing those at home to craft their own perfect cup of Colombian coffee.
These roasters offer a variety of different beans, all of which are sourced directly from Colombian farmers. This allows people to get access to the same beans that Starbucks uses in their drinks. Additionally, these beans can be bought as single origin or blended, giving customers the ability to choose the type of coffee they want.
Organic and premium quality beans are also an option, and many specialty roasters are able to offer customers coffees which have been certified organic and produced according to fair-trade practices. This ensures that the beans are of the highest quality, and the coffee will taste as good as what is produced in Colombia.
