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Written by Todd Caspersen
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Over the past 12 months we’ve experienced a lot of volatility in the coffee commodity market. The spike in prices last spring and the small jumps since then have resulted in the resurgence of our friends the “coyotes”—coffee intermediaries— who suddenly appear when the prices rise. The coyotes have created some stiff competition for the cooperatives and made for some stressful weeks while we waited to see if we were going to get beans. Thanks to our long-term relationships with the co-ops, we were able to get the coffee we needed.
Colombia
One example of the weird market: in Colombia the internal price for coffee paid by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia is now higher than its international price. This is primarily a result of overselling by exporters who are then obliged to pay more than the international price so that they can fulfill their contracts. A higher international price for coffee means more money for farmers. But it also means that the co-ops need to redouble their efforts in educating their membership about pricing issues. Although co-op members may not be getting top dollar during these market spikes, Fair Trade still provides some of the longer-term, less tangible benefits of cooperation, such as political clout, pre-harvest credit, and guaranteed minimum prices in low markets.
Bolivia
As Miguel Colque, an Antofagasta farmer, put it: “This year they rested, next year they will give a lot.” Coffee bushes have a high yield low yield two year cycle and this year was the low year— the year that the Southern Andes were hammered with cold weather further reducing their production. In addition, we had some difficulties with a new co-op that was over ambitious in its crop forecasts and unable to fill its contracts. Que lastima! (Translation: too bad!) But take heart. The bushes have flowered early and we hope to bring in new crop Bolivians in the early summer and will be offering up our much loved Bolivian bean once again.
West Bridgewater
Meanwhile at home, the Equal Exchange roasting team has kept our drum roaster rolling at full speed day and night over the past few months in a Sisyphean effort to meet the ever-increasing thirst for java justice. A few recommendations: the Guatemalan mediums are fantastic— sweet, clean with clear acidity and nice fruit notes. For a totally different flavor try the Ethiopian full city, which is always an adventure in fruit and body; it’s unlike any other bean we carry. Stay tuned for a new espresso blend that has been birthed in our alchemy lab by fair traders bent on bringing you another knockout brew.
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