By chance, last year I found myself sitting on a train from Barcelona to Madrid next to a guy who was brewing coffee with an Aeropress right there in his seat. It caught my attention, so I asked him where the coffee was from — it smelled amazing. It turned out he had his own Colombian coffee brand from the Cauca region called Vórtice.
We chatted a bit about coffee, but soon the conversation opened up to include a Peruvian passenger nearby, and we ended up talking about wine, flamenco, Peruvian food, philosophy… We said goodbye laughing, grateful for the impromptu podcast sponsored by Renfe. It was a very pleasant chat, full of cultural exchange and shared opinions.
An Unexpected Reunion
A few days ago, someone wrote to me asking about this project (A Coffee & A Story). His name (Sebastián) sounded familiar. I asked if he was the same person from the train. He was.
We scheduled a call that lasted over two hours, from which I took away many ideas, facts, and reflections.
The first reflection is that sometimes we look at things too simply without realizing it. This conversation reminded me that real change is not about imposing, but about listening. About understanding nuances. And walking humbly alongside those already doing the work, from the place we happen to inhabit. I still have a lot to learn and I’m grateful when life puts someone in my path to remind me.
About the Cauca Coffee Chain...
Sebastián shared his perspective on the current situation of coffee in Colombia: how the FNC (National Federation of Coffee Growers) acts as a guild representing the country’s coffee producers. We talked about the challenges and opportunities this organization has to keep supporting especially the small producers, who make up the majority of Colombian coffee farming.
In the Cauca region, many small coffee farmers sell their coffee through local collection centers or cooperatives that group producers to facilitate sales and provide technical support. Part of that coffee is purchased by the FNC, which regulates prices; from there it goes to Almacafé — the Federation’s logistics company — where it is classified and prepared for export.
Despite everything, there is always hope and young people returning with a fresh perspective different from previous generations: eager to innovate, exploring digital tools, betting on traceability, differentiation, and new ways to produce and sell coffee… but without losing their roots. Some train, compete in events like Aeropress championships, and proudly present their coffee saying:
“This is my mother’s coffee.”
The conversation revolved around building a culture of collective trust, and understanding that real transformations require dialogue, mutual respect, and shared rhythms.
About Added Value...
The second reflection I took from the conversation is that the higher coffee prices in Europe and the U.S. are not only due to structural injustice, but also the added value generated at destination: research, competitions, design, tastings, sensory experiences that elevate the product’s perception. The challenge — and opportunity — is finding ways for that value to also reach the origin.
About Technology...
We also talked about technology. Whether websites, QR codes, and digital storytelling really help coffee farmers. When they do, when they don’t, and why. He gave me valuable ideas for my project, and I shared suggestions for his.
Sebastián’s brand, Vórtice, mainly sells small, almost unique lots at fairs or through WhatsApp. And true to its name, the conversation was a vortex of information, culture, and history.
I feel very grateful for this reunion, for the questions, for the ideas… and for reminding me that sometimes change starts by looking again.