PRODUCER: Edith Mariela Toledo, Liliana Mariela Toledo
RELATIONSHIP: First year of purchasing
ORIGIN PARTNER: Caravela
Warmikuna is a blend of coffees sourced from two neighbouring farms in Ecuador. These farms, each spanning around 2 hectares, yield smaller quantities individually, hence the need to combine them to create an exportable volume. The Bourbon and Catimor undergo a meticulous process of picking, sorting, and a 32-hour fermentation period. Following this, they are washed twice and left to dry for 15 to 25 days, depending on the local climate.
Ecuador boasts breathtaking landscapes and ideal altitudes that promise exceptional coffee quality when cultivated with care. The small-scale farming has historically posed challenges in maintaining traceability. Much like its neighbour to the South, Peru, most farms are organic by default, with official certifications being expensive for producers to obtain.
Previously considered too expensive to feature regularly, Ecuadorian coffee is now more competitively priced due to drastic price increases at other origins. Could this newfound affordability signal a resurgence of Ecuadorian coffees in the Australian market? The future looks promising!