In the highlands of Colón-Génova, Nariño, between 1,950 and 2,800 metres above sea level, Juan Pablo Argote leads a community of 25 specialty coffee producers committed to quality, sustainability and greater value for farmers.

Argote Specialty Coffee manages the entire coffee chain directly — from cultivation and harvesting to processing and milling — giving producers greater control over the quality and value of their coffee. Since 2015, the organization has also been exporting directly, helping ensure that a significant share of the FOB value reaches the producers themselves.

The group grows Castillo, Caturra and Catuaí varieties, experimenting with washed, natural and other innovative processing methods to bring out the distinctive qualities of their coffees. Their production is currently organic and transitioning towards regenerative agroforestry, with a focus on building healthier farms and more resilient coffee-growing systems.

For Argote Specialty Coffee, producing exceptional coffee goes hand in hand with creating greater opportunities and value for the farmers behind every cup.