Fostering relationships among producers and green coffee buyers

The international value of coffee is determined by global markets that fix prices based on widespread supply and demand. The price that is set, called the C-price, does not take into account the costs, risks, and labor involved in coffee production and is subject to change each and every day. While it doesn’t incorporate all the factors of coffee production, this figure determines what coffee buyers around the world are willing to pay for the final product. This dynamic makes coffee growing incredibly risky and transactional. De La Gente sets out to disrupt this market norm by promoting relationship-based trade and creating a network of coffee buyers who, too, are guided by the principle of fairly compensating coffee producers.

I wholeheartedly embrace and appreciate DLG’s mission and their dedication to coffee growers and their betterment. [It] is equally unique that they have such incredibly passionate young people who come from coffee backgrounds. You lose that kind of connection when working with larger importers, and building connections is something that is important for me and what I want Cafe Cultura to be."

Katherine Gonzalez, Café Cultura, Green Coffee Buyer

For me, it's important to meet the producers in order to make the industry one that values people. That's why I decided to travel to Guatemala to personally meet with various producers, interact with them, and understand their work and professionalism... In Canada, we drink coffee but we know very little about the work that goes into a cup of coffee. I want to be that link [between producers and consumers].

Daniel Bernard, Les Cafés du Paysan, Green Coffee Buyer