July Sustainable Roaster:
La Cosecha Coffee Roasters
Welcome to another edition of our “Sustainable Roaster of the Month” blog segment. This time, we are delighted to feature La Cosecha Coffee, a company that understands the power of coffee to connect people and make a positive impact. With a mission to bring people together through sustainably sourced coffee, La Cosecha Coffee Roasters has been dedicated to building relationships with farmers, supporting communities, and promoting environmental responsibility since its inception in 2006.
The La Cosecha Coffee Story
The name “La Cosecha” reflects the heart and soul of the company, as it means “the harvest” in Spanish. La Cosecha Coffee Roasters sees coffee as an opportunity to connect with people through the shared love for this extraordinary beverage. It all began with two friends who were home roasters and coffee enthusiasts. Starting with hot air popcorn poppers, they embarked on a journey of learning through trial and error, honing their skills as home roasters.
Driven by a desire to address the challenges faced by coffee farmers amidst declining commodity prices, La Cosecha Coffee Roasters was born. Their goal was clear: to purchase Fair Trade coffee and contribute to the well-being of farming communities. From these humble beginnings, they have grown into a beacon of sustainability and relationship-building in the coffee industry.
Mission Statement and Sustainability Efforts
La Cosecha Coffee Roasters is dedicated to bringing people together by offering sustainably sourced coffee that builds relationships. They believe in making a positive difference, not only through the quality of their coffee but also through their sustainability efforts.
Their sustainability initiatives encompass various aspects of their operations:
- Sourcing Sustainably: La Cosecha Coffee Roasters purchases coffee from small farmers who practice sustainable farming methods. They ensure that these farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work, supporting their economic well-being.
- Making a Positive Impact: Recognizing the challenges faced by coffee-growing communities, La Cosecha Coffee Roasters goes “full circle” by partnering with international and local organizations each year. These partnerships aim to bring positive change to people’s lives, addressing crucial needs such as safe water, healthcare, education, and more.
Promoting Sustainability with Customers
La Cosecha Coffee Roasters actively involves their customers in their sustainability endeavors, encouraging them to participate in reducing waste and supporting local initiatives. Here’s how they promote sustainability:
- Donating and Recycling: Locally, they donate used coffee and tea grounds, burlap bags, and coffee chaff to community gardens. They also source local products to create in-house syrups, supporting local vendors.
- Waste Reduction: La Cosecha Coffee Roasters uses strawless lids for iced drinks and offers a $1 discount to customers who bring their own tumbler or mug, minimizing waste sent to landfills.
- Reusable and Reused Packaging: They offer a reusable bagless delivery option to their local wholesale partners, reducing the need for single-use bags. Additionally, they reuse shipping and packaging materials for shipping and packing orders.
- Supporting the Community: La Cosecha Coffee Roasters donates coffee to local shelters and food pantries, sharing the joy of freshly roasted coffee with those in need.
Airscape
Refill Program
La Cosecha Coffee Roasters embraces the use of Airscapes, much to the delight of their customers. Not only do they allow customers to bring in their Airscape containers for refills, but they also offer a bulk coffee refill program. Customers can bring their own containers, including Airscapes, reusable bags, or containers from home, and have them filled with freshly roasted coffee. In-store customers who participate in the refill program receive a discounted rate of $18 per pound on their coffee purchase. As an added bonus, they also receive a free 12oz brewed coffee with their refill purchase, creating a rewarding experience for both the customers and the environment.
A Vision of Making a Difference
At La Cosecha Coffee, it’s not just about the coffee itself; it’s about the impact they can make in both local and global communities. They envision building relationships through coffee and are dedicated to buying from small farmers, sharing hope from the harvest. Their commitment extends beyond their own operations as they donate a portion of their profits to both local and global organizations.
In 2023, for every bag of Guatemalan coffee they sell, La Cosecha Coffee is donating $3 to bring clean water to communities in three departments of Guatemala—Escuintla, Retalhuleu, and Suchitepéquez—through the work of Living Water International. By aligning their mission with meaningful causes, they showcase their belief that coffee has the power to create positive change.
For La Cosecha Coffee, the quality of their coffee serves as the initial draw, capturing the taste buds and hearts of coffee enthusiasts. However, it is their mission and commitment to building relationships that truly sets them apart. They understand that coffee has the potential to connect people and foster community locally and globally.
By purchasing from La Cosecha Coffee Roasters, you can join them in their mission to build relationships through coffee in your own community. Every sip becomes an opportunity to contribute to sustainable sourcing practices, support small farmers, and make a positive impact on the world.
Want to Try La Cosecha Coffee?
Then join the Sustainable Coffee Club!
You Receive
- Custom Medium Airscape & Hat
- 20% off our products for life
- Discounted Coffee to the Sustainable Roaster of the Month (each month)