Rinaldo's Coffee: Costa Rica, Las Lomas, Coopro Naranjo, Washed

The Growers’ Cooperative and Multiple Services of Naranjo (Coopronaranjo) was founded in 1968 by 98 coffee growing families. The very idea of forming a cooperative was a response to the sluggish economy of the time, and the first members sought to resolve issues in the agricultural sector so as to preserve family livelihood. Today the group has grown to more than 3,000 small coffee producer members growing an average of 106,000 quintales of coffee annually.

Approximately 95% of its membership is small farmers, farming on fewer than 10 hectares of land; some 40% of its members are women. As Coopronaranjo members live and work in the local community themselves, environmental and social considerations are naturally of paramount importance. The commitment to quality of product, better conditions for workers and a clean environment has earned the coop various social and environmental certifications.

All coffee is selectively hand-picked and is then delivered to the community-based receiving station, where it is sorted to ensure only the ripest cherries make it through. Each receiving station is equipped with a list of mandatory coffee cherry requirements, and staff are diligent in assuring these are followed to the letter.