CAC Huadquiña

Projects

Active members: 235
Active from year: 204
Total production capacity: 80.000 kg of green beans

Product:Arabica Coffee
Certifications: Fairtrade (165 members), Organic (165 members)

Sales information

Product: Green bean, dry parchment and roasted coffee
Quality: 84-86 cup score (70% of volume)
Quantity: 49.000 kg of green beans

Koperasi Serba Usaha Famasa (Famasa) established in 2004 is a coffee farmer cooperative in Bajawa, Flores. Progreso has been supporting Famasa with working capital loan since 2020 to pre-finance the purchase of coffee from their members, provide small loans for coffee production to their members and pay for some operating costs within the season.

Implementing organic farming practices and supported by a favorable microclimate, Flores Bajawa Arabica Coffee has a distinctive and unique taste: fruity with a strong floral aroma, moderate acidity and sweet.

Contact Progreso for more information: kiki@progreso.nl

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Manik Amerta Buana (MAB)

Projects

Active members: 67
Active from year: 2019
Total production capacity: 7,000 Kg (5,000 kg for export and 2,000 Kg for domestic market)

Product: Cocoa

Variety: the clones MCC-02, Sulawesi-1, Sulawesi-2, ICCRI-06, and Local variety (Lindak) /Fermented Bean (80%) and unfermented bean (20%)

Sales information

Product: Fermented cocoa beans
Quantity: 7,000 Kg (5,000 kg for export and 2,000 Kg for domestic market)

Established on 19 November 2019, Manik Amerta Buana (MAB) Cooperative is a farmer-owned cocoa cooperative based in Tabanan, Bali, dedicated to improving the productivity, quality, and livelihoods of cocoa farmers through sustainable production and market-oriented services. The cooperative currently has 67 members (63 men and 4 women), with approximately 70% active membership, managing around 70 hectares of cocoa plantations with an average productivity of 400 kg/ha. Its primary business is the production and marketing of fermented cocoa beans.

MAB aims to become a trusted economic institution for cocoa farmers by combining business development with technical support. Beyond cocoa marketing, the cooperative provides an integrated service model that includes an Internal Management System (IMS) for farm data collection and advisory services, proactive field support for harvesting and farm rehabilitation, provision of grafted cocoa seedlings, and standardized fermentation, drying, and storage facilities to ensure consistent product quality. The cooperative also processes cocoa nibs and facilitates the sale of unfermented beans, creating additional market opportunities for farmers.

In its second year as a partner of Progreso, MAB has strengthened its business capacity through access to working capital financing, enabling the cooperative to purchase cocoa beans directly from farmers and improve market access for its members. In parallel, Progreso has provided technical assistance to strengthen institutional and business performance, including the digitalization of record keeping, financial management, and other business development support. These interventions have enhanced the cooperative’s operational efficiency, governance, and readiness for sustainable business growth.

To further strengthen cocoa farming systems, MAB supplies agricultural inputs such as compost, humic acid, and dolomite, while offering plantation management services through its Agrifinance package for farmers with limited labor capacity. Supported by digital farm monitoring and partnerships with organizations such as the Kalimajari Foundation, the cooperative is positioning itself not only as a supplier of premium fermented cocoa but also as a regional learning center for sustainable cocoa cultivation and cooperative development.

Contact Progreso for more information: erwin@progreso.nl

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Argote, Colombia

Projects

Active members: 25

Percentage of which women: 30%

Active from year: 2014

Total production capacity: 25 mt green coffee 

Product:  Coffee

Sales information

Cupping score: 82.75 

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.

 

 

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

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Tierra Verde, Colombia

Projects

Active members: 950

Percentage of which women: 35%

Active from year: 2015

Total production capacity: 98 mt green coffee 

Product: Coffee and cacao
Certifications: Rainforest Alliance, EU Organic, USDA Organic,

Sales information

Average cupping score: 83

Based in Santa Marta, Colombia, Tierra Verde is a specialty coffee and cocoa exporter connecting producers at origin with international markets across Europe, Asia and North America.

With more than a decade of experience, the company focuses on high-quality coffees scoring above 83 points on the SCA scale and fine-flavour cocoa, with full traceability from farm to port. Its portfolio includes carefully selected microlots as well as coffee roasted at origin.

At the heart of Tierra Verde’s approach are direct relationships with producers, fair trade and sustainability. The company works closely with rural communities in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, combining rigorous quality control with a commitment to creating greater opportunities and impact for producers.

Tierra Verde’s sustainability credentials include EU Organic, USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance and Carbon Neutral certifications, alongside compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

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Rutas del Inca, Peru

Projects

Active members: 275
Active from year: 2013
Total production capacity: 213 MT green beans

Product: Coffee
Certifications: FairTrade, Organic

Sales information

Product : Arabica Coffee

Rutas del Inca Agricultural Cooperative, was founded on November 14th, 2013, with 33 members located in the district of Querocoto, in the Cajamarca region, Peru.

In 2014, the cooperative achieved Organic certification and its first export of 60 qq to Sustainable Harvest. In 2015, the cooperative became Fairtrade certified.

A year later, in 2016, Rutas del Inca won the prize for best and youngest company of the year, an award given during Let’s Talk Coffee in Puerto Vallarta-Mexico. Currently, Rutas del Inca has 275 members, organized in 9 bases.

Rutas del Inca has started a project of development with Progreso since 2018, based on an organizational assessement to identify main points of improvement. Rutas del Inca has started with the implementation of a revolving fund to provide microloans to its members for the maintenance of coffee plantations (mainly inputs). In technical assistance, the organization has established an annual operational plan for the trainings in the field, for internal audits of the Organic and Fairtrade certification process and the harvesting plan.

In access to market, the organization with the support of Progreso participated in the SCAE fair – Europe and contacted new clients. The services to their members such as training of the members have increased, however with the establishment of the rotating fund, this will improve further.

Rutas del Inca does not have an up to date longterm plan, and have not set their next development steps within the organization. This activity is part of the project supported by Progreso.

Strategic planning that includes access to market and setting up alliances with other organizations such as the government and other coffee cooperatives, will be of importance for the further development of Rutas del Inca.

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

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COMCACAOT, Colombia

Projects

Active members: 1500

Of which women: 600

Active from year: 2013

Total production capacity (2024): 600,279kg

Product: Cocoa beans, dried cocoa and cocoa-derived products: 

Sales information

Product:Premium and conventional cocoa

In San Andrés de Tumaco, Nariño, Colombia, COMCACAOT S.A.S. brings together smallholder cocoa producers to create greater opportunities and value for farming families across the region.

Established in 2013 as a farmer-owned company, COMCACAOT is a second-level cocoa organization that unites 17 producer associations, representing around 1,500 farming households across nine areas of Tumaco. Its shareholder base is made up of approximately 4,000 smallholder cocoa farmers, whose farms typically range from one to five hectares.

The organization’s main role is to market cocoa while ensuring quality, volume and traceability. Its principal buyer is Compañía Nacional de Chocolates Luker. At the same time, COMCACAOT is investing in the future of specialty cocoa, including a dedicated processing centre, as well as developing a premium chocolate bar made with high-quality cocoa.

Beyond commercialization, COMCACAOT supports its members through technical assistance, training in good agricultural practices, productive projects and access to agricultural inputs. It also invests in assets and services linked to other agricultural value chains, including oil palm.

The organization reinvests its surpluses into strengthening the cooperative and improving the productive capacity and wellbeing of its members. For COMCACAOT, the goal is clear: to turn collective action into better markets, stronger farms and greater opportunities for smallholder cocoa families in Tumaco.

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

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Coopavre, Peru

Projects

Active members:  108

Percentage of which are women: 27%

Active from year: 2010

Total production capacity (2026): 1410 TM of dry cocoa beans

Product: Organic Cacao Fairtrade / Organic Cacao Biosuisse 

Certifications: Organic (EU, USA, RTPO), Fair trade, Biosuisse Organic

Sales information

Product: CCN-51 accounts for 80%, while other varieties such as VRAE 99, VRAE 15, and COMUN account for the remaining 20%.

The Ecological Cacao Agrarian Cooperative Valle Río Ene – COOPAVRE – is made up of smallholder farmers who cultivate cacao. Its membership base was actively involved in alternative development programmes in the VRAEM region. The cooperative was founded on December 12, 2009, and is managed and governed by its smallholder members, with the active, democratic, and equitable participation of rural women and youth.

COOPAVRE is a non-profit organization that provides competitive services with a social and business-oriented approach, guided by the principle of cooperation. Its objective is to improve the living conditions of its members by marketing their production and eliminating intermediaries.

COOPAVRE began exporting organic Fairtrade cacao to Europe in 2015. To date, it continues to serve and expand its customer base in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

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Rwenzori Farmers Cooperative Union, Uganda

Projects

  • Active members: 2,948, organised in 21 member primary cooperative societies
  • Number of female members: 1251
  • Number of male members: 1697
  • Number of Youth (18-35): 586
  • Active from year: 2014
  • Total production capacity: 80 metric tons of green beans
  • Product: Arabica Coffee, cocoa and vanilla
    Certifications: Fairtrade
  • Harvest Season: 2 seasons; March-May and August-November
  • Export season: January – June
  • EUDR: 100% compliant

Sales information

Product: Natural Arabica, centrally processed
Quality: 81-85 cup score (fruity, pleasant winey, mild aftertaste)
Annual export volumes: 60 metric tons

History

The Organization is registered to operate in the 7 districts on and around Mt. Rwenzori including Kasese, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Rubirizi, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo and Kamwenge.

The purpose of forming Mt. Rwenzori Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union was to establish farmer managed production and marketing system that will help coffee farmers gain what their effort is worth in the coffee value chain.

Leadership / organizational structure

The Union operates on cooperative principles, governed by a General Assembly with three delegates per member society. The Assembly elects a nine-member Board of Directors, which appoints technical staff to manage daily operations.

A team of five experienced staff ensures high-quality coffee production through excellent field, processing, and management practices.

Mission

A union of economically and socially empowered male and female coffee farmers

Vision

To improve the livelihood of male and female coffee farmers in the Rwenzori region through enabling them to produce the best quality coffee and access gainful markets

Contact Progreso for more information: ayub@progreso.nl

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Rasso, Ivory Coast

Projects

Active members: 2919
Active from year: 2015
Harvest volume: 1940

Product: Cocoa
Certifications: Rainforest Alliance, FairTrade in progress

Sales information

Product: Cocoa, farmer processed

Descriptions of taste and aroma: Moderate levels of astringency and bitterness, accompanied by a spicy aftertaste and an earthy flavor.A moderate herbaceous note is also present.

Quality: 100% grade 2

Quantity: 710,000 kg of dry cocoa beans

The RASSO Cooperative has been created in 2015 by a group of young male and female farmers. As of today, RASSO is directed by a woman, and has 50% of women in management bodies. This makes it one of the few cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire to have a high rate of women participants, both as directors and members.

Furthermore, RASSO has 25% of women members and coca plantation owners. This is comparison to the national average of 5-10%.

Thanks to their income coming from cocoa, these women not only have an direct impact on their households, but also on the education of their children.

Contact Progreso for more information: nathaniel@progreso.nl

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Mt. Elgon Coffee and Honey Cooperative Society (MECAHC), Uganda

Projects

  • Active members: 952
  • Number of female members: 391
  • Number of male members: 561
  • Number of Youth (18-35): 157
  • Active from year: 2017
  • Total production capacity of members (estimate): 500,000 kg
  • Product: Coffee
    Certifications: Organic certified (EU UG-BIO-140, USA Market (NOP), Japan JAS0 & Fairtrade FLO ID 4767
  • Harvest Season: August – December & February – April
  • Export season: September to March

  • EUDR: 100% compliant

Sales information

Product : Arabica Coffee

Cupping scores: A+ 84.25%, Naturals 85.75%

Tastify Wheel: Washed (Rose floral, citrus fruit, mixed berries grimy grape jelly, vanilla with honey, milk chocolate sweet long finish, sugar)

Annual export volumes: 288,000 KG

History

Mount Elgon Coffee and Honey Cooperative Society Ltd. is a vibrant, member-driven cooperative based in Uganda’s Mount Elgon region. We combine coffee cultivation with beekeeping to produce exceptional coffee and honey while uplifting the BAMASABA/GISHU communities. We are committed to climate-smart practices that promote sustainability and support our local ecosystems. Following organic and fairtrade standards ensures our coffee and honey meet the highest quality and ethical standards.

Leadership / organizational structure

  • AGM, Board, Supervisory committee, premium committee and management committee. Steering the cooperative´s strategic and day-to-day operations of the coop affairs
  • The General Assembly is made up of zonal and group representatives, elects the Board members during the Annual General Meeting.
  • The Board appoints the General Manager, who oversees the hiring and management of the team. The General manager is supported by the accountant, Quality, Marketing and extension officers. The community-based trainers support mobilization and act as quality controllers.)

Mission

To equip smallholder coffee and honey farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to improve production, using a Community-Based Trainer (CBT) extension model that fosters education and innovation.

Vision

To empower farmers to enhance their livelihoods by adding value to their produce and achieving long-term sustainability.

Farmer engagement

Coffee shade tree nurseries, beekeeping integration into coffee farms, organic agroinputs.

Achievements

  • Constructed a coffee storage facility and upgraded machinery.
  • Partnered with Abi Trust to register farmers in Busongora North constituency on the Geo system for EUDR compliance.
  • Secured access to financing from Rabo Foundation through Progreso.
  • Conducted Expose training sessions on finance, marketing, and donor relations.
  • Brought on board additional partners, including Agri-Terra and MARKUP under ITC.
  • Acquired key manuals: Human Resource Policy, Business Strategic Plan (2024–2028), and Governance Manual.
  • Introduced mushroom farming initiatives for youth.
  • Facilitated youth access to loans for financial empowerment.

Contact Progreso for more information: ayub@progreso.nl

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