The coffee harvest is currently at its peak in Honduras. To learn more about it, we sat down with Andrea Moncada, Special Projects and Sustainability, and Carlos Sierra, a green coffee trader, both from PRF 2021 Bronze Sponsor and green coffee exporter Molinos de Honduras (Volcafe Honduras).

Molinos de Honduras was formed in 1960 by a local Honduran family. As a sister company of Volcafe, the company has implemented a business training program known as the “Volcafe Way”, which helps producers to improve coffee quality and farm management.    

Read on to learn more about the coffee harvest in 2020/21, and the company’s activities in Honduras.

WHAT ARE MOLINOS DE HONDURAS’ AIMS FOR 2021?

To reach out and create stronger relationships with producers. We aim to connect them with clients all over the world for better business continuity and improved profitability for the whole supply chain.

AS AN EXPORTER IN HONDURAS, WHAT WERE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES YOU FACED IN 2020? HOW DID YOU ADAPT TO THEM?

COVID-19 was the greatest challenge we faced as an exporter. Trying to manage resources while maintaining a safe environment for our staff and the producers was immeasurably challenging.

Being able to export all the coffee from our mill during a pandemic has been one of our biggest victories as a group.

DID 2020 ALSO BRING SOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HONDURAN COFFEE SECTOR?

The biggest opportunity in the coffee sector during 2020 was the chance to maintain smooth communication with producers and our clients. This was despite not being able to see them physically because of COVID-19 related restrictions.

HOW DOES MOLINOS DE HONDURAS PROVIDE VALUE FOR BOTH PRODUCERS AND BUYERS? 

By purchasing coffee directly from producers, we have created strong relationships that allow us to connect them with buyers through sustainability projects.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THIS YEAR’S HARVEST? WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT? 

Due to heavy, consistent rains at the end of 2020 and the two major hurricanes, the coffee has been ripening quickly. We expect it to be picked by January and February, meaning that we might see higher-quality coffees earlier than usual.

MOLINOS DE HONDURAS MANAGES THE FARMERS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (FSO) IN HONDURAS. TELL US SOME MORE ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND YOUR WORK AS A PART OF IT.

Molinos de Honduras works using the “Volcafe Way”. This aims to improve coffee producers’ lifestyles by increasing their productivity and lowering their costs.

We have 23 technicians that work with producers across the country using the “Volcafe Way” to train them in better agricultural practices.

Photo credits: Molinos de Honduras (Volcafe Honduras)