A New Partnership Rooted in Excellence

While our formal buying relationship with Melky is relatively new, our admiration for his coffee dates back over five years. In 2019, our coffee buyer Enrique Hernandez first tasted Melky’s varietals and was immediately struck by his exceptional quality. Since then, Melky's coffees have consistently stood out—earning top honors in Colombia’s La Mejor Taza de Mi Nariño competition.

In 2023, we had the privilege of purchasing 800 pounds of Melky’s award-winning Caturra for $5.50 per pound. The coffee is stunning—complex, vibrant, and richly deserving of its accolades. But just as meaningful as the coffee itself is the connection we’ve begun to build with Melky. He is one of the most open-hearted, thoughtful producers we've met—someone who approaches his work and relationships with integrity and generosity.

Already, we've learned that Melky pays his pickers 800 pesos per kilo of red cherry—a rate that reflects his deep commitment to fair labor practices. While our current volumes are small, we’re excited to grow this partnership and better understand how Melky supports a livable wage across his operation.

Though we don’t yet have a Common Good Project with Melky, we’re hopeful that one will take shape as our relationship continues to flourish. This is more than a transaction—it’s the beginning of something enduring, built on shared values and a mutual passion for excellence.