Master Roaster Aldo Marchena at Blue Arrow Coffee had a touching meeting with Don Benjamin's grandchildren—a relationship that would result in a major joint project. Don Benjamin's fourth-generation son helped to enable this direct trade relationship between Blue Arrow Coffee and his farm. Underneath the surface of these alliances, though, is the hidden narrative of the women behind the scenes who are vital but frequently undervalued in the Peruvian coffee business.

Finca Santa Catalina: An Innovation and Quality Journey

The Finca Santa Catalina farmers made a crucial choice ten years ago to concentrate on excellence and creativity. They painstakingly isolated single varietals instead of mixing different kinds of coffee. This action helped them to improve the output of premium speciality coffee, therefore enabling them to escape the cheap pricing set by the world supply market. It is crucial to underline, nevertheless, that many of the invisible hands in charge of this labor-intensive activity are women—women who often balance domestic chores with long hours in the fields. Still, these women hardly ever get the financial benefits or appreciation their male colleagues enjoy.

Benjamin La Torre Coffee Farm: Where Women's Labour Thrive and Excellence Rules

Nestled within the steep Andes Mountains, the Benjamin La Torre coffee farm is situated in the Oxapampa district of northeastern Peru. Thanks to its pure jungle surroundings, this far-off area offers a perfect microclimate for cultivating superior coffee. Emphasising the need of environmental preservation, the farm's dedication to sustainable methods fits its UNESCO Biosphere reserve status. Though the farm rightly values sustainability, the social scene nevertheless reflects conventional gender norms. From harvesting to sorting beans, women in these coffee-growing towns often perform essential roles in the production process; yet, their efforts are still underappreciated in the male-dominated business.

Years of Custom and Women's Quiet Battles

With many farmers in the area following their ancestry to Andean tribes like the Yanesha, the rich tradition of the Benjamin La Torre farm spans decades. Although the knowledge passed down over centuries has helped to produce the extraordinary quality of coffee, often males are in charge of decisions and ownership. Though mostly involved in the growth and upkeep of the coffee plants, women fight constantly for equal recognition and pay.

Like many other agricultural sectors globally, Peru's coffee business is driven mostly by men.

Particularly in rural areas, women may run across obstacles including restricted access to land ownership, financial resources, and positions of decision-making. Although they are fundamental to the coffee-making process, their job is sometimes underappreciated and they have less chances to take part in profit-sharing or leadership programmes.

Speciality Coffee's Future: Empowering Women Farmers

Growing awareness of the necessity to support women producers as the speciality coffee market expands calls for Change can be sparked by fair trade and direct trade relationships, as the one between Benjamin la Torre farm and Blue Arrow Coffee. Emphasising not only quality but also gender equality can help the coffee business empower women and raise their socioeconomic level.

The next time you enjoy a cup of Benjamin la Torre coffee, delivered by Blue Arrow Coffee Roasters, keep in mind the women behind every sip—hard labour, devotion, and sometimes unnoticed efforts. Though usually eclipsed by the male-dominated systems of the business, their contributions are essential for the growth of the best speciality coffee.

Purchase Blue Arrow Coffee Online to learn about the Taste of Peru and the Stories of Women Farmers in Peru.