An Ethiopian delegation visited Colombia to learn firsthand about a number of aspects of the FNC\u2019s work, as the African nation aims to improve coffee storage and implement a traceability system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through its logistics branch Almacaf\u00e9, the FNC has accumulated wide experience in quality control since coffee is received in cooperatives and purchase points, as well as in storage and origin traceability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the things that most impressed the visitors was the generosity with which the FNC opened its doors, including those of Almacaf\u00e9\u2019s quality laboratory, for them to learn more about the institutional work in coffee traceability in cooperatives, warehouses and ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe chose Colombia because it is one of the major global players in the coffee industry and we are working on increasing our coffee value chain capacity. We are very grateful to the FNC,\u201d said Anteneh Assefa, CEO of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, at the end of the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQuality control is a critical concern for Colombia and also for us. Colombia makes great efforts to preserve coffee quality from producers themselves to final links of the chain. Much of its exported coffee is added-value,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a tour at the central lab of Almacaf\u00e9, the visitors showed interest in sample coding, blind tests, and preparation of cups for cuppings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The visitors were also surprised by the emphasis that Colombia, through the FNC, has put in supporting the coffee sector. \u201cThe FNC, with a clear strategy and a very integrated system, is able to manage all these quality, productivity and traceability topics, including all auxiliary services that the sector needs. There are many things to learn from your system,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith falling coffee prices, how Colombia has survived through subsidies is also a good thing to learn,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FNC\u2019s efforts and initiatives to increase productivity, differentiated coffee supply and sustainability also drew the Ethiopian visitors\u2019 attention. \u201cSomething that impressed me is the sound work on coffee farming sustainability to ensure a livelihood to producers and all those involved in the value chain,\u201d Assefa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the visitor noted that there are not unique formulas to solve the sector problems and both Colombia and Ethiopia have learned to adapt to their own contexts. \u201cAt the end, coffee must be marketed in the way consumers need. Our country has its own marketing system that works, and Colombia has its own. What matters is the ability to improve coffee growers\u2019 income in both countries,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An Ethiopian delegation visited Colombia to learn firsthand about a number of aspects of the FNC\u2019s work, as the African nation aims to improve coffee storage and implement a traceability system. Through its logistics branch Almacaf\u00e9, the FNC has accumulated wide experience in quality control since coffee is received in cooperatives and purchase points, as well […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":13922,"parent":0,"template":"","yoast_head":"\n