Women´s Coffee
by Academia Barista Pro
Johanna de Rodríguez will be personally choosing the coffees for this project, with the purpose of promoting the Top Producers that we have in our country.
According to studies, thanks to the work of women in coffee, economic and social development is achieved in producing countries.
Women are essential for coffee production, yet their participation continues to be underestimated.
With this project, Women's Coffee wants to give credit to so many incredible women producers that we have in El Salvador. Who, like male producers, produce impressive qualities.
Below, we tell you a little about each of the production companies that chose this year 2023.
We hope that the list will increase in the coming years so that we can share with you their work and why we consider them TOP Production Companies in El Salvador.
Women's Coffee - An Empowerment Project
In coffee, almost 70% are women, who fulfill their different roles in the value chain.
Some contribute on the farm by providing knowledge as producers, others as cutters, during the process, dry processing, its marketing, also in roasting and as baristas. In short, there are women contributing so that you can enjoy your special coffees at all times.
A report from ICO (International Coffee Organization) mentions that only a third of the farms worldwide are managed and led by women. As women, they have limited access to land, education and financial resources. Another report from New Ground magazine says, women get fewer opportunities in jobs as baristas, roasters, competitors and coffee merchants.
For some years and involuntarily, I had been selling you an incredible series of coffees from Salvadoran producers (men).
For 6 months, I have been working on the logistics for this new project. An initiative that I will call, “WOMEN'S COFFEE,” where I will buy from Salvadoran women producers their best coffees, those of AMAZING quality.
The Top Coffees… for TOP Women
Florence Mathies Hill
Doña Florence.
This May 4, 2023 I introduced the 1st Limited Edition coffee of the project "𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣'𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚,by @academiabaristapro
I had the honor of presenting for the first time, among ABP's specialty coffees, a delicious washed process SL28, from producer Florence Mathies Hill. 😎When I spoke with Florence, she did not hesitate to quickly send me one of her best coffees for this project, where I will be presenting you great coffees from Proudly Salvadoran Producers.
This lot is planted at the privileged altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, coming from the Santa Ana Volcano and its Finca San José. It has been processed Kenyan wash, further developing the flavors of this variety native to Kenya; typical sweet black berries. Florence is the fourth generation of producers in her family. Her great-great-grandfather, Mr. James Hill, was a pioneer in producing and bringing the Bourbon variety for the first time to El Salvador. It turns out that the Hill family has been producing coffee in our country for more than 100 years! 😲With great dedication, Florence has followed this legacy since 2010, when she assumed full control of her parents' farms.
We met Florence as a student and we are sure that this coffee represents what she is passionate about producing coffee in El Salvador. I have been shocked to learn how she works hard to make her farms sustainable. Florence cares about her workers at all times and that is why she takes care of them and their families. During the cutting season, she provides them with a place to sleep, 3 meal times, clinics to check their health and much more. Florence's coffees are processed washed with water that she collects during the rainy season, nourishing her trees with organic compost which is prepared on the farm, while its offices and drying areas are operated with Solar Panel Energy. 😃
Mónica Valdivieso
Doña Mónica.
For many producing countries, talking about coffee and women seems to be two different worlds.
Women in coffee production play an important role and are part of the history of this grain from the farm to the cup. Currently, coffee production is carried out primarily by women, who with their participation are in charge of harvesting, processes, drying and key points within the dry mill.
According to SCA data, 70% of the coffee growing workforce is carried out by women, but only 25% of the farms are managed by them.
I want to present to you then our LIMITED EDITION of 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 by Academia Barista Pro, a delicious new choice. This special coffee was produced by Salvadoran producer Mónica Valdivieso, fifth generation of producers in the family.
Finca Las Ninfas is located near the city of Apaneca, in the department of Ahuachapán. I loved how without hesitation, Monica supported me with this project, wanting to introduce us to our TOP ABP clients for the first time her incredible Pacamara coffee.
This impressive farm is located in a privileged area, as it is a mountainous region, with volcanic soils, constant cold temperatures and high-altitude lands.
Mónica participated in the Cup of Excellence and was among the winning farms of that contest in 2019, with this variety in this same process. I chose this Pacamara Natural for its intense ripe fruit flavors; Ripe cherries, cranberries and red apple, long and sweet aftertaste of maple honey.
I'm sure you'll love it! What more could we ask for from this LIMITED EDITION!
Carmen Elena de Silva
Doña Carmen.
Carmen Elena de Silva is one of the main promoters of specialty coffee in El Salvador.
She is the Export Manager of SICAFE, a coffee exporting company that represents more than 30 producers from all over the country.
Doña Carmen, she married a producer named Rafael Enrique Silva and from a very young age she became interested in the business.
In 1992, she joined SICAFE and since then she has worked tirelessly to promote Salvadoran coffee in the international market. Under her leadership, SICAFE has won numerous awards for the quality of its coffees.
Doña Carmen, she is a passionate advocate of specialty coffee. She believes that Salvadoran coffee has great potential and is committed to helping producers produce high-quality coffees that are recognized for their flavor and aroma.
In an interview with the blog "Field Notes", she said that her goal is to "make Salvadoran coffee recognized as one of the best in the world." She has made great strides in this regard, and her work has contributed to Salvadoran coffee being increasingly appreciated by consumers around the world.
Doña Carmen is part of the “Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA El Salvador)” Association, an association of women involved in the coffee value chain from beans to cup. IWCA promotes constant support, promotion and strengthening of the skills and abilities of women in the coffee industry of our country.