Champion Baristas Journey to Coffee Roots in Honduras with FAIRTRADE

In a remarkable initiative, the victorious baristas from the Barista Cup, organized by renowned coffee roaster Julius Meinl, embarked on an insightful journey to Honduras. This expedition allowed these skilled baristas to connect with the very origins of the coffee beans they work with day in and day out. Hosted in collaboration with FAIRTRADE Austria and the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fairtrade (CLAC), this trip took the group through vital coffee-producing regions in Honduras that supply Julius Meinl's renowned double-certified "The Originals Bio Fairtrade" range.

Insights from the Journey

The delegation included key figures such as Christina Meinl, a descendant of the family that founded the coffee roastery, and other Barista Cup winners like Raffy Vajio (UAE), Vladimir Chzou (Moldova), Luca Riccardi (Italy), and Mario Benetseder (Austria). Their visit coincided with the peak coffee harvest in January, when the coffee trees were heavy with bright red cherries, symbolizing both abundance and the dedication of coffee producers.

During their stay, the baristas gained invaluable insights into the social and environmental issues that shape the coffee industry, particularly in a time of record-high prices. "Picking the product that I work with every day straight from the tree, seeing each processing stage, and meeting the people behind it—this completely changed my view of coffee,” noted Mario Benetseder, reflecting on the significance of their experience.

Strengthening Connections in the Coffee Supply Chain

FAIRTRADE plays a critical role in facilitating a stable income for coffee farmers. Hartwig Kirner, CEO of FAIRTRADE Austria, emphasized the significance of this expedition, stating, "This trip connects two ends of the coffee supply chain—producers and baristas. It fosters direct knowledge-sharing, deepens understanding of the challenges farmers face, and underscores the importance of Fairtrade's mission in securing a sustainable coffee future."

The insights gleaned from the visit underscored the impact of FAIRTRADE, which guarantees farmers a minimum price and an additional Fairtrade Premium. This premium can be reinvested in community projects, improving infrastructure and sustainability. The baristas visited two cooperatives, COPRACNIL and COCAMOL, which aim to enhance coffee quality, yields, and overall community well-being. Key initiatives at these cooperatives involve developing rust-resistant coffee varieties, promoting agroforestry practices, and diversifying income streams, all essential to ensuring the viability of coffee production for future generations.

Education and Community Advancement

A visit to the Instituto Copan Galel in Copán highlighted the educational advancements made possible by Fairtrade contributions. This institution offers a three-year Agroforestry Baccalaureate focused on Technical Development and Innovation. The daughter of COPRACNIL's president is currently enrolled in this program, eager to learn and eventually take over her family’s farm, exemplifying the hopeful future for the next generation of coffee producers.

Launched in 2023, "The Originals Bio Fairtrade" lineup has quickly become a cornerstone for Julius Meinl's B2B operations, responding to the growing demand for ethically sourced coffee. The trip reinforced the importance of strong collaboration among producers, roasters, and buyers, crucial for the advancement of Fairtrade practices.

The Future of Coffee Production

Reflecting on the significance of Fairtrade, Jimmin Soriano, the former president of COCAMOL, shared, "If it weren't for Fairtrade and organic certification, I wouldn't still be producing coffee. We are always looking for better markets and better opportunities for our families because being a coffee producer is very hard. But in the end, when we find buyers like you, it motivates us to continue producing and selling our coffee."

In light of the uncertainties currently facing the coffee industry, investments at the farm level, facilitated by Fairtrade, have never been more essential. By fostering greater connections between baristas and coffee farmers, initiatives like these contribute significantly to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and flourishing coffee sector. Through such partnerships, the journey from bean to cup becomes a rich tapestry of shared experiences, supporting the vitality of all involved in the coffee industry.

About Julius Meinl

Founded in Vienna in 1862, Julius Meinl is one of the oldest coffee roasters in the world, revered not only for its premium coffee offerings but also as an iconic Vienna coffee house brand. Family commitment to quality has been the foundation for five generations. With a legacy of over 160 years in sourcing, blending, and roasting, Julius Meinl’s coffees and teas are available in more than 50,000 hotels, coffee houses, and restaurants across 70 countries, with an expanding presence in retail outlets.