COOCAFE SN

Colombia

A cooperative of 88 small producers in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, focused on quality, consistency, and long-term sustainability.

About COOCAFE SN

COOCAFE SN is a cooperative of small-scale coffee producers founded in 2008, based in Ciénaga, Magdalena, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The organization brings together 88 members, including 27 women, from different communities in the region, creating a more structured and collective approach to coffee production. Established to improve market access and strengthen production practices, the cooperative provides a framework where individual farmers can operate with greater organization and shared direction.

COOCAFE SN focuses on improving both productivity and quality at farm level. Through ongoing technical assistance, producers receive support in agronomy, harvesting, and post-harvest management. The cooperative also operates with a quality control approach that includes cupping and evaluation processes, allowing producers to better understand their coffee and align with market expectations. This structure helps reduce variability and supports more consistent outcomes across different farms.

Beyond production, COOCAFE SN plays a role in strengthening the long-term viability of coffee farming in the region. By facilitating access to markets and promoting more organized commercialization, the cooperative supports more stable income opportunities for its members. This approach is reinforced by certifications such as Organic (since 2014) and Fairtrade (since 2015), which support structured market access and align production with established standards. Its work is centered on continuity, technical improvement, and building a more sustainable framework for coffee production over time.

What makes COOCAFE SN coffee so special?

COOCAFE SN coffees stand out for the balance between smallholder production and organized coordination. While each producer works under different conditions, the cooperative provides a shared structure that helps align practices and maintain quality standards. This results in coffees that reflect their origin while offering a more consistent and reliable profile for roasters.

At the same time, these coffees are shaped by the unique setting of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain range. The combination of altitude and proximity to the Caribbean Sea contributes to a slower and more even cherry development, supporting clarity and balance in the cup. Together with a production model focused on gradual improvement and long-term commitment, this allows each lot to deliver stability and definition, backed by a network of producers working within a more structured system.