Elevating coffee, empowering a community

Oro Verde, a coffee and cocoa cooperative based in Lamas, Peru, has set ambitious goals to rank among the Top 5 exporters in the country. To achieve this, they collaborated with PUM expert and entrepreneur Jeroen Brugman. “I started my own coffee roasting company in the Netherlands (Ikigai coffee) out of pure love and passion for quality coffee and the belief we can improve the old and traditional coffee culture. As my last name states, (“Brug” means “bridge”) I facilitate connections and build bridges in the coffee chain to build a sustainable coffee future.”

And that is exactly what Jeroen did during his two-week visit to the St Martin region in Peru. Together with Hildebrando Cardenas, CEO of Oro Verde, he worked on professionalising roasting practices, enhancing coffee quality, improving staff training, increasing productivity, and optimising the overall coffee experience. Key challenges were identified in roasting consistency and marketing strategies were discussed. Addressing these issues not only impacts the cooperative’s growth but also carries significant social, ecological, and economic implications for the community itself.

Community develpment
A crucial aspect of Oro Verde’s development is the enhancement of staff training and knowledge-sharing within the cooperative. Structured training programmes will empower employees with better skills, fostering job satisfaction and professional development. Additionally, an optimised café experience can attract more visitors, creating an engaging space for cultural exchange and education about sustainable coffee production. By improving working conditions and increasing job stability, the cooperative also contributes to the overall well-being of the local community.

Next steps
Jeroen Brugman: “To fully realise these benefits, Oro Verde should address technical inconsistencies in roasting to enhance product quality and implement professional cupping protocols for better quality control. I have made recommendation to optimise the café layout and design to create a more inviting experience for visitors. This will generate additional revenue streams and strengthens the local economy. By developing specialty coffee offerings, Oro Verde can tap into premium markets and increase profitability.”

Oro Verde’s ambitions extend beyond business growth; it has a profound impact on the social, ecological, and economic aspects of the local community. By addressing the identified challenges, Oro Verde strengthens its role as a leader in Peru’s coffee and cocoa industry while promoting sustainability and community development.

Hildebrando Cardenas

CEO Oro Verde

“It was a nice experience to work together with Jeroen. We are eager to apply what we have learned, buy a new roaster, and improve our products. We look forward to a follow-up visit from Jeroen.”