With this harvest dashboard, we aim to keep you informed about the status of the harvest in each of the seven origins where Caravela operates, providing you with valuable information that will help you stay up to date of what’s happening on-the-ground.
Please visit this page frequently as we will be updating it at least once a month. If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to contact us directly!
Last Update March 16, 2023
Field Notes | Next Steps |
| Overall, Colombia is currently in-between harvests. After two years of La Niña and constant rains, February was a particularly dry month with more sunny days than rainy days. This has resulted in Colombia experiencing great blooming during the months of February and March. Significant and concentrated flowerings had been absent for the last 2-3 years as we had seen scattered flowerings during the year, hence, scattered harvest. These flowerings showcase that there will be a great harvest in the second semester of 2023. Producers are busy harvesting the first cherries of the year before the first semester harvest starts. They are currently focused on fertilizing, managing pests, and controlling weeds. Some are also renovating or planting new crops. In the South of the country, departments like Nariño and Cauca, where there's only one harvest which happens in the first semester, they are starting to see anticipated harvest. Their harvest usually starts around May, and this year they expect to start a month early. We expect the volumes in Colombia to remain similar as last year, depending on the altitude, new flowering events may occur in certain regions. Weather reports will provide more insight into harvest developments during this period. | Our PECA team throughout the country, is currently visiting coffee farms around Colombia recording and gathering information. As a company, one of our Sustainability goals is to be able to have more robust information about coffee producers with whom we work, as well as their needs and opportunities. They are currently collecting cost of living and cost of production data. They will also estimate crop yield for producers who are members of the PECA Program and conduct carbon footprint measurements and workshops at the farms. At the end of March, our Quality team will also meet for a week of calibration and team building. |
Field Notes | Next Steps |
| In the humid forests of Zamora, a longer summer allowed coffee plants to have good bloomings in areas like Palanda and Zumba. On the other hand, in the dry forests of Loja, less water caused a decrease in the fruit/cherries on branches. Coffee in Ecuador is mostly in its development stage. However, we've seen the first pickings coming out from the North and some farms at lower elevations in the south of the country. In Loja, harvesting has not started yet, but it's estimated to start in May with its peak in June and July. The rainiest period in Ecuador starts in March and lasts until June in Loja, and until August in Zamora. This weather pattern is important for coffee development as it provides the necessary moisture for the coffee trees and the beans to grow and develop optimally. | In March, the PECA team is providing support in the field and recording the cost-of-living data for the Living Income project and estimating the crop yield. They are also working on the inspections for the CAFE PRACTICES and ORGANIC certifications. This month, we have been shipping "LA TORTUGA" coffee from the Galapagos to multiple destinations around the world. If you're interested in learning more about Ecuador and trying our coffee, contact our Customer Relationship Offices to be the first to get samples. |
Field Notes | Next Steps |
| The volume flows and purchases peaked during the month of February in El Salvador. This year, we started purchasing coffee in two new areas, San Fernando and San José Sacare in Chalatenango focusing mainly on RTB-A quality grades. The PECA team is helping provide feedback to growers on quality performance. The harvest in the Ahuachapan area is 98% complete, with 20% still drying, and Chalatenango is at 70% progress with 30% still on the harvest beds. The local market prices continue to rise, and we have risen our prices as well to remain competitive among the market and ensuring high prices to producers that can recognize their work and quality. | The quality team has been busy handling a significant increase in offers for coffee in February, featuring a diverse range of washed, honey and natural process coffees has also been procured, with many scorings being above 86 points. We have already started shipments in El Salvador to customers worldwide as we continue sending offer samples. There has been a good demand for natural coffees this year, particularly from the highest areas between 1,500 and 1,800 meters above sea level. The quality and logistic team are making excellent progress with PSS and shipments for March. It is a good time to book El Salvador coffee. |
Field Notes | Next Steps |
| Guatemala's harvest is currently at its peak point, with most of the volumes from the harvest being purchased this month at Caravela's buying stations in San Marcos, Huehuetenango, and Guatemala City. This year, our team has developed new relationships in Guatemala, exploring new regions and discovering some gems with very potential in the remote lands of Guatemala. As of mid-March, the harvest progress in the Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Solola, and Chiquimula departments, especially in the higher elevations, is between 45-55%. Coffee producers continue sending samples to different buying stations looking for feedback from our team. Then, they send their individual lots which is analyzed all over again and purchased upon arrival. We are excited about the promising quality and volume of coffee for this 2023 cycle in Guatemala. | Our local PECA and Quality teams are providing daily feedback to growers to ensure they are informed about sample approvals, quality, and prices, with a focus on making recommendations to positively impact their productivity and quality. The quality team is currently prioritizing purchases to meet the demand and expectations of our clients. For this month, we expect to see an increase in purchasing volume, especially on AA, AAA, and ML quality grades. This is because many farms are currently at the peak of their harvest and drying season this month, where the quality tends to improve. To learn more about available Guatemalan coffees, please contact our Customer Relationship Offices. |
Field Notes | Next Steps |
| Our PECA team has been visiting farms to monitor the progress of the harvest in the different states where Caravela operates, receiving samples from coffee producers and supporting them in their needs as the harvest gets close to its end. In the state of Chiapas, the state with the highest coffee production in the country, the crop is 70% complete. In Oaxaca, which is made up of the four mountain ranges with the highest elevation in the country, namely, the Sierra Mazateca, the Sierra Sur, the Sierra Norte, the Sierra Mixteca, and the Isthmus that corresponds to the Pacific Coast, the progress of the harvest It currently stands at 70%. Coffee growers have been delivering their individual lots and some of them still have pickings to do before the harvest ends. Caravela also operates in the state of Puebla, where the harvest is 50% complete. As an example, March represents the peak of the harvest in this state. In Guerrero, on the other hand, where 90% of coffee production is natural coffee, due to low water availability. Currently, the progress of the harvest in this state is at 65%. Fortunately, the current climatic conditions have been favorable for the coffee production areas, which has translated into a low presence of diseases and a uniform ripening of the coffee cherries, which translates into a coffee of better quality and better efficiencies for harvesting practices. The main challenge this year has been the lack of labor, especially in the state of Chiapas, where they usually relied on Guatemalan immigration, which has become less each year since the pandemic started. The harvest will continue throughout March, and we will continue receiving coffee until April, mostly farms in higher elevations farms. | As farms go through the peak of the harvest, our warehouse in Oaxaca fills more each week with parchment coffee and the team has already started to mill the first shipments. The PECA team in Mexico is following up and working hand in hand with farmers on the quality of the coffee. For instance, they are carrying out field workshops on picking, processing, and experimentation with fermentation times to make quality improvements on time during this harvest season. The team is keeping track of the overall harvest process, fermentation trends, drying, samples moisture levels, etc. of the samples received. The focus on the farm also includes workshops for handling crop residues and the use and handling of coffee pulp. We're already sending PSS and offer samples to our Customer Relationship Offices so that our roasting partners can taste what's coming out from this country. It is a suitable time to book coffee from Mexico. |
Field Notes | Next Steps |
| In the Nicaraguan departments of Nueva Segovia, Jinotega and Matagalpa, the harvest is 84% completed. The weather has been favorable for coffee growers, as they have seen below-average rainfall from January to February - only 70 mm (about 2.76 in) fell in Nueva Segovia, avoiding production losses due to heavy rainfall, as they had seen in previous years. Quality has been great, consistent, and in line with the dry weather. The biggest challenge in this cycle was the lack of labor, causing a slower harvest pace. The PECA team assisted growers with management recommendations for harvesting and processing, experimentation with natural anaerobic processes, and harvest monitoring. Additionally, we've seen many coffee growers separating their varieties to maximize their potential, such as their Maragogype, offering AA/AAA grades of this variety. | The Quality Control Department in Nicaragua is currently focused on scheduling shipments and sending offer and PSS samples to all our Customer Relationship Offices. We have started the milling process and we're planning the shipments for the next containers our of Nicaragua. The Quality team is currently analyzing and cupping from 50 to 60 daily lots delivered by producers from Nueva Segovia, Jinotega, and Matagalpa To date, 5% of the contracted coffee has been exported and exports will continue through July. Currently, washed coffee is exported to the United States, Australia and Europe. This is a key time of the year to book Nicaraguan coffee, as producers have a large volume, a wide range of profiles and, above all, consistent coffee with a longer shelf life. Contact our Customer Relationship Offices (CROs) to book coffee from Nicaragua. |
Field Notes | Next Steps |
| The Cajamarca region is expected to experience a gradual growth in coffee production this year, as confirmed by recent visits to the area. Favorable climatic conditions during the flowering stage prevented coffee bean fall, resulting in a good crop conditions and promising signs for the upcoming months. Peak harvest months for Cajamarca, which is of interest to Caravela due to quality, are July and August. The harvest begins in April with a low percentage, representing only 3%. In the southern region, coffee production has not seen significant changes due to a prolonged drought during the last months of the previous year. Abortion in the flowering stage and coffee bean fall was observed. Currently, the coffee plantations are in fruit filling, with the first harvests beginning in the fortnight of May for farms above 1500 meters (about 4921.26 ft) above sea level. The peak harvest is expected to be in July and August. In the domestic market, dry parchment coffee is not being purchased due to the low-lying areas beginning their harvest in April. Some coffee growers in the highlands are still fertilizing for fruit filling in February, adding nitrogen and potassium to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit. Cultural tasks such as weeding and pruning are also being carried out. In Cusco, coffee producers took advantage of the February rains to weed, fertilize, and plant their coffee seedlings. | The PECA team is currently inspecting producers to ensure compliance with Organic and RFA (Rain Forest Alliance) certification standards, while also providing training on record management and economic balance of production. They're estimating harvest yields for accurate data on this year's production, and the Quality team is reviewing quotes to purchase necessary equipment. However, challenges have arisen, such as unpredictable weather patterns and some producers not implementing recommended practices. To address these challenges, the PECA team is providing personalized visits for technical assistance, training, and programming support, including the use of weather forecasts. For those who received materials, the team ensures proper utilization to improve their farms. Meetings and workshops are also being organized to address producers' needs, with personalized guidance on topics such as Integrated Pest Management and coffee nursery management. While the team expects better quality due to producers' adequate crop management, they still face challenges in increasing the volume of grades AAA, ML, and onboarding new producers located above 1,600 MASL. In the northern region, constant rain causes road interruptions, while in the south, protests cause road blockades, delaying scheduled activities. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to support the producers across Peru. In the northern region, constant rain sometimes causes road interruptions, and machinery must clear the road. Meanwhile, in the southern region, protests are ongoing, and road blockades are constant, delaying and harming scheduled activities. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to support the producers and achieve our goals. In the northern region, constant rain sometimes causes road interruptions, and machinery must clear the road. Meanwhile, in the southern region, protests are ongoing, and road blockades are constant, delaying and harming scheduled activities. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to support the producers and achieve our goals. |
With this harvest dashboard, we aim to keep you informed about the status of the harvest in each of the seven origins where Caravela operates, providing you with valuable information that will help you stay up to date of what’s happening on-the-ground.
Please visit this page frequently as we will be updating it at least once a month. If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to contact us directly!
Last Update March 16, 2023
Field Notes
Overall, Colombia is currently in-between harvests. After two years of La Niña and constant rains, February was a particularly dry month with more sunny days than rainy days. This has resulted in Colombia experiencing great blooming during the months of February and March. Significant and concentrated flowerings had been absent for the last 2-3 years as we had seen scattered flowerings during the year, hence, scattered harvest. These flowerings showcase that there will be a great harvest in the second semester of 2023.
Producers are busy harvesting the first cherries of the year before the first semester harvest starts. They are currently focused on fertilizing, managing pests, and controlling weeds. Some are also renovating or planting new crops. In the South of the country, departments like Nariño and Cauca, where there’s only one harvest which happens in the first semester, they are starting to see anticipated harvest. Their harvest usually starts around May, and this year they expect to start a month early. We expect the volumes in Colombia to remain similar as last year, depending on the altitude, new flowering events may occur in certain regions. Weather reports will provide more insight into harvest developments during this period.
Next Steps
Our PECA team throughout the country, is currently visiting coffee farms around Colombia recording and gathering information. As a company, one of our Sustainability goals is to be able to have more robust information about coffee producers with whom we work, as well as their needs and opportunities. They are currently collecting cost of living and cost of production data. They will also estimate crop yield for producers who are members of the PECA Program and conduct carbon footprint measurements and workshops at the farms.
At the end of March, our Quality team will also meet for a week of calibration and team building.
Field Notes
In the humid forests of Zamora, a longer summer allowed coffee plants to have good bloomings in areas like Palanda and Zumba. On the other hand, in the dry forests of Loja, less water caused a decrease in the fruit/cherries on branches.
Coffee in Ecuador is mostly in its development stage. However, we’ve seen the first pickings coming out from the North and some farms at lower elevations in the south of the country. In Loja, harvesting has not started yet, but it’s estimated to start in May with its peak in June and July.
The rainiest period in Ecuador starts in March and lasts until June in Loja, and until August in Zamora. This weather pattern is important for coffee development as it provides the necessary moisture for the coffee trees and the beans to grow and develop optimally.
Next Steps
In March, the PECA team is providing support in the field and recording the cost-of-living data for the Living Income project and estimating the crop yield. They are also working on the inspections for the CAFE PRACTICES and ORGANIC certifications.
This month, we have been shipping “LA TORTUGA” coffee from the Galapagos to multiple destinations around the world. If you’re interested in learning more about Ecuador and trying our coffee, contact our Customer Relationship Offices to be the first to get samples.
Field Notes
The volume flows and purchases peaked during the month of February in El Salvador. This year, we started purchasing coffee in two new areas, San Fernando and San José Sacare in Chalatenango focusing mainly on RTB-A quality grades. The PECA team is helping provide feedback to growers on quality performance.
The harvest in the Ahuachapan area is 98% complete, with 20% still drying, and Chalatenango is at 70% progress with 30% still on the harvest beds. The local market prices continue to rise, and we have risen our prices as well to remain competitive among the market and ensuring high prices to producers that can recognize their work and quality.
Next Steps
The quality team has been busy handling a significant increase in offers for coffee in February, featuring a diverse range of washed, honey and natural process coffees has also been procured, with many scorings being above 86 points.
We have already started shipments in El Salvador to customers worldwide as we continue sending offer samples.
There has been a good demand for natural coffees this year, particularly from the highest areas between 1,500 and 1,800 meters above sea level. The quality and logistic team are making excellent progress with PSS and shipments for March. It is a good time to book El Salvador coffee.
Field Notes
Guatemala’s harvest is currently at its peak point, with most of the volumes from the harvest being purchased this month at Caravela’s buying stations in San Marcos, Huehuetenango, and Guatemala City. This year, our team has developed new relationships in Guatemala, exploring new regions and discovering some gems with very potential in the remote lands of Guatemala.
As of mid-March, the harvest progress in the Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Solola, and Chiquimula departments, especially in the higher elevations, is between 45-55%. Coffee producers continue sending samples to different buying stations looking for feedback from our team. Then, they send their individual lots which is analyzed all over again and purchased upon arrival.
We are excited about the promising quality and volume of coffee for this 2023 cycle in Guatemala.
Next Steps
Our local PECA and Quality teams are providing daily feedback to growers to ensure they are informed about sample approvals, quality, and prices, with a focus on making recommendations to positively impact their productivity and quality. The quality team is currently prioritizing purchases to meet the demand and expectations of our clients. For this month, we expect to see an increase in purchasing volume, especially on AA, AAA, and ML quality grades. This is because many farms are currently at the peak of their harvest and drying season this month, where the quality tends to improve.
To learn more about available Guatemalan coffees, please contact our Customer Relationship Offices.
Field Notes
Our PECA team has been visiting farms to monitor the progress of the harvest in the different states where Caravela operates, receiving samples from coffee producers and supporting them in their needs as the harvest gets close to its end. In the state of Chiapas, the state with the highest coffee production in the country, the crop is 70% complete. In Oaxaca, which is made up of the four mountain ranges with the highest elevation in the country, namely, the Sierra Mazateca, the Sierra Sur, the Sierra Norte, the Sierra Mixteca, and the Isthmus that corresponds to the Pacific Coast, the progress of the harvest It currently stands at 70%. Coffee growers have been delivering their individual lots and some of them still have pickings to do before the harvest ends.
Caravela also operates in the state of Puebla, where the harvest is 50% complete. As an example, March represents the peak of the harvest in this state. In Guerrero, on the other hand, where 90% of coffee production is natural coffee, due to low water availability. Currently, the progress of the harvest in this state is at 65%.
Fortunately, the current climatic conditions have been favorable for the coffee production areas, which has translated into a low presence of diseases and a uniform ripening of the coffee cherries, which translates into a coffee of better quality and better efficiencies for harvesting practices. The main challenge this year has been the lack of labor, especially in the state of Chiapas, where they usually relied on Guatemalan immigration, which has become less each year since the pandemic started. The harvest will continue throughout March, and we will continue receiving coffee until April, mostly farms in higher elevations farms.
Next Steps
As farms go through the peak of the harvest, our warehouse in Oaxaca fills more each week with parchment coffee and the team has already started to mill the first shipments. The PECA team in Mexico is following up and working hand in hand with farmers on the quality of the coffee. For instance, they are carrying out field workshops on picking, processing, and experimentation with fermentation times to make quality improvements on time during this harvest season. The team is keeping track of the overall harvest process, fermentation trends, drying, samples moisture levels, etc. of the samples received. The focus on the farm also includes workshops for handling crop residues and the use and handling of coffee pulp.
We’re already sending PSS and offer samples to our Customer Relationship Offices so that our roasting partners can taste what’s coming out from this country. It is a suitable time to book coffee from Mexico.
Field Notes
In the Nicaraguan departments of Nueva Segovia, Jinotega and Matagalpa, the harvest is 84% completed. The weather has been favorable for coffee growers, as they have seen below-average rainfall from January to February – only 70 mm (about 2.76 in) fell in Nueva Segovia, avoiding production losses due to heavy rainfall, as they had seen in previous years. Quality has been great, consistent, and in line with the dry weather. The biggest challenge in this cycle was the lack of labor, causing a slower harvest pace. The PECA team assisted growers with management recommendations for harvesting and processing, experimentation with natural anaerobic processes, and harvest monitoring. Additionally, we’ve seen many coffee growers separating their varieties to maximize their potential, such as their Maragogype, offering AA/AAA grades of this variety.
Next Steps
The Quality Control Department in Nicaragua is currently focused on scheduling shipments and sending offer and PSS samples to all our Customer Relationship Offices.
We have started the milling process and we’re planning the shipments for the next containers our of Nicaragua. The Quality team is currently analyzing and cupping from 50 to 60 daily lots delivered by producers from Nueva Segovia, Jinotega, and Matagalpa
Field Notes
The Cajamarca region is expected to experience a gradual growth in coffee production this year, as confirmed by recent visits to the area. Favorable climatic conditions during the flowering stage prevented coffee bean fall, resulting in a good crop conditions and promising signs for the upcoming months. Peak harvest months for Cajamarca, which is of interest to Caravela due to quality, are July and August. The harvest begins in April with a low percentage, representing only 3%.
In the southern region, coffee production has not seen significant changes due to a prolonged drought during the last months of the previous year. Abortion in the flowering stage and coffee bean fall was observed. Currently, the coffee plantations are in fruit filling, with the first harvests beginning in the fortnight of May for farms above 1500 meters (about 4921.26 ft) above sea level. The peak harvest is expected to be in July and August.
In the domestic market, dry parchment coffee is not being purchased due to the low-lying areas beginning their harvest in April. Some coffee growers in the highlands are still fertilizing for fruit filling in February, adding nitrogen and potassium to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit. Cultural tasks such as weeding and pruning are also being carried out.
In Cusco, coffee producers took advantage of the February rains to weed, fertilize, and plant their coffee seedlings.
Next Steps
The PECA team is currently inspecting producers to ensure compliance with Organic and RFA (Rain Forest Alliance) certification standards, while also providing training on record management and economic balance of production. They’re estimating harvest yields for accurate data on this year’s production, and the Quality team is reviewing quotes to purchase necessary equipment.
However, challenges have arisen, such as unpredictable weather patterns and some producers not implementing recommended practices. To address these challenges, the PECA team is providing personalized visits for technical assistance, training, and programming support, including the use of weather forecasts. For those who received materials, the team ensures proper utilization to improve their farms.
Meetings and workshops are also being organized to address producers’ needs, with personalized guidance on topics such as Integrated Pest Management and coffee nursery management. While the team expects better quality due to producers’ adequate crop management, they still face challenges in increasing the volume of grades AAA, ML, and onboarding new producers located above 1,600 MASL.
In the northern region, constant rain causes road interruptions, while in the south, protests cause road blockades, delaying scheduled activities. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to support the producers across Peru. In the northern region, constant rain sometimes causes road interruptions, and machinery must clear the road. Meanwhile, in the southern region, protests are ongoing, and road blockades are constant, delaying and harming scheduled activities. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to support the producers and achieve our goals. In the northern region, constant rain sometimes causes road interruptions, and machinery must clear the road. Meanwhile, in the southern region, protests are ongoing, and road blockades are constant, delaying and harming scheduled activities. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to support the producers and achieve our goals.