Crimson Cup Coffee Embarks on a Mission Journey to Honduras for Coffee and Community

Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, a prominent player in the specialty coffee sector, recently sent a group of its dedicated team members, affectionately called cuppers, to Honduras. This trip was not merely a journey to sample fine beans; it was a comprehensive immersion into the realms of coffee farming and a commitment to community service. The initiative is part of the company's longstanding dedication to ethical sourcing and nurturing lasting relationships within coffee-producing territories.

The focus of this expedition was the Siguatepeque region, an area where Crimson Cup has forged robust connections with small-scale coffee farmers since 2011. Through their Friend2Farmer® initiative, the company has actively provided resources aimed at enhancing the quality of coffee as well as the living standards of farmers in the region. These partnerships are characterized by direct trade purchases, sustainable practices, and cooperative investments in local community development.

During the visit, the cuppers explored a coffee farm, witnessing the intricate picking and processing stages that significantly influence the quality of the beans that ultimately reach consumers. They had the opportunity to engage with local farmers, sharing traditional meals and gaining invaluable insights into the dedicated care and expertise involved in producing each harvest.

In addition to their coffee-related activities, the team participated in community service efforts alongside Serve Hope International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting coffee-farming communities through clean water initiatives, housing, and educational support. The crimson team rolled up their sleeves, participating in the construction of a new home for a local family, symbolizing a concrete commitment to Serve Hope's mission of community enhancement.

“More than coffee, this trip was about fostering connections and building community,” remarked Dave Eldridge, the green coffee buyer. “By working intimately with the farmers who cultivate our beans, we have acquired a deeper understanding of their agricultural practices and communal challenges. This shared experience equips us to represent their hard work more authentically.”

Since its inception in Siguatepeque, Crimson Cup has been an active participant in various community-centered projects. The initiatives range from creating raised drying beds to improve coffee quality to providing secure housing for families, filtration systems for clean drinking water, and educational materials for local schools. The organization has also organized service-learning trips for coffee shop entrepreneurs and local university students to deepen their comprehension of smallholder coffee systems.

“Such initiatives resonate strongly with our Focus on Good philosophy,” asserted founder and president Greg Ubert. “We strive to engender positive change through our products and relationships across the globe, inspiring customers to contribute to meaningful impacts with every sip they take.”

Founded in 1991, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea has consistently set benchmarks in quality and sustainable practices within the specialty coffee industry. The accolades collected over the years include multiple Good Food Awards, the prestigious Golden Bean World Series Championship in 2025, and Roast magazine's recognition as Macro Roaster of the Year in 2016.

Through its Friend2Farmer® initiatives, Crimson Cup firmly stands by coffee-growing communities, embracing partnerships that are sustainable and equitable for all parties involved. Their 7 Steps to Success program offers aspiring entrepreneurs a comprehensive business plan, hands-on training, award-winning coffee, and consistent consulting to help open independent coffee shops.

The reach of Crimson Cup coffee spans over 700 independent coffee houses, grocery stores, universities, restaurants, and food service establishments across 37 states and in Bangladesh. The company also operates its own chain of coffeehouses in Ohio under the Crimson Cup and CRIMSON branding.

To learn more about their initiatives and products, visit crimsoncup.com.