SOPPEXCCA, Nicaragua
The Society of Small Producers for Coffee Export (SOPPEXCCA) is a union of coffee cooperative comprised of 650 producers from the province of Jinotega in northern Nicaragua. SOPPEXCCA emerged in 1998 when its successor organization fell deeply indebted under a poor administration. Despite the severe challenges of Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and the 380% price collapse in 1999, SOPPEXCCA has become one of the highest quality coffee cooperatives in the country. Under the leadership of director Fatima Ismael, the self-sustaining co-op produces, processes, and markets its own coffee. SOPPEXCCA’s 65% female membership and gender-equality blends makes this a truly exemplary cooperative. SOPPEXCCA became Fair Trade certified by Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) in 1998.
With proceeds from the Fair Trade price, the co-op has been able to:
- Invest in organic training. SOPPEXCCA has provided members with technical assistance for the transition to organic production
- Empower women. Members established a women’s collective, “Las Hermanas“, through which women produce and market their own coffee
- Support education. The cooperative funded the construction of a new school and provided member’s children with school supplies and food
- Provide micro-credit. SOPPEXCCA has provided access to credit for all members, including a specific fund for women’s programs
- Improve women’s health. The cooperative has educated female co-op members about reproductive health issues and facilitates access to free gynecological cancer tests.
About the Coffee:
- Varieties: Caturra, Bourbon
- Elevation: 1,000 – 1,400m
- Processing: Wet processing and sun drying
- Bean Characteristics: SHG
- Cup Characteristics: Good flavor and aroma, balanced acidity
- Harvest Season: November – March
- Export Season: January – June
- Organic Production: 30%
- Organic Certification Agency: BIOLATINA