"Leading in Quality" 1st Place Winner Colombia Coffee Expo 2023
Noralba Benitez - Bogota, Colombia
Photo Credit: Gobernación De Risaralda - Colombian Coffee Expo 2023
Hosted by Federation Nacional De Cafeteros in Bogota, Colombia. The"Cafes De Colombia Expo" is the largest coffee expo in Latin America that aims to bring together coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and stakeholders from around the world to experience the exceptional quality and cultural richness of Colombian coffee. At the expo, attendees can explore various aspects of coffee production, from the lush coffee farms to the cupping tables, and gain insights into the traditions and innovations that make Colombian coffee renowned globally.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
Colombia's coffee industry has traditionally been portrayed as a male-dominated field, with men taking the lead in cultivation, harvesting, and decision-making roles. However, this narrative has been changing steadily over the past few decades. Colombian women have been actively breaking down stereotypes and proving that they are more than capable of contributing significantly to the coffee industry.
Nurturing the Coffee Crop
Women are often the unsung heroes of the coffee fields. From planting and tending to the coffee trees to harvesting the cherries, their hands are instrumental in nurturing coffee beans to perfection. Women's careful attention to detail and their skill in recognizing the optimal time to pick the ripe cherries play a crucial role in ensuring the high quality of Colombian coffee. Their connection with the land, inherited through generations, forms the foundation of the industry's strength.
Empowerment and Economic Independence
Colombian coffee farming has provided an opportunity for women to gain economic independence and empowerment in a society that has traditionally held more conservative gender roles. The income earned from coffee cultivation has enabled many women to provide for their families, send their children to school, and invest in their communities.
A Catalyst for Positive Change
Maria Noralba Benitez's impact on the coffee industry extends far beyond the fields. Her actions have served as a catalyst for positive change. Her leadership, resilience, and unyielding commitment to excellence have inspired those around her to strive for greater heights. Her presence within the industry has opened doors for others, breaking down barriers and paving the way for more women to enter this traditionally male-dominated field.
The Future of Colombian Coffee
As the Colombian coffee industry evolves, the role of women within it continues to expand. Women are increasingly seen as leaders, innovators, and drivers of positive change. Organizations, both locally and internationally, are recognizing the importance of gender equality in the industry and are working to address these disparities.
Conclusion
The Colombian coffee industry would not be what it is today without the relentless hard work, dedication, and resilience of the women behind it. They are the backbone of Colombian coffee, ensuring the high quality and sustainability of the crop while fostering economic empowerment and community development. As we continue to celebrate Colombian coffee, let's also celebrate the extraordinary women like Doña Noralba Benitez who make it possible, and support efforts to empower and uplift them within the industry. Their contributions are not only crucial but also truly inspirational.
Gold Medusa Coffee Co takes immense pride in its commitment to supporting woman-grown coffee on not one, but two significant occasions. Our dedication to gender equality and empowering women in the coffee industry is unwavering, and we are thrilled to announce that we will continue this initiative in the future. We firmly believe that women's contributions to coffee cultivation are invaluable, and by supporting them, we not only ensure the growth of high-quality coffee but also contribute to the empowerment and advancement of women in coffee-growing communities. As we move forward, we are excited to strengthen our partnerships with these incredible women and make an even greater impact on the world of coffee.
Congratulations to Doña Maria Noralba Benitez on this huge accomplishment. The unwavering passion for coffee and her tireless pursuit of excellence have made a lasting impact. Apia's name now stands as a symbol of quality and excellence in the coffee world, thanks to her
dedication and the many other coffee producing families in Apia that day in, and day out, make sure that we have the privilege to enjoy the best coffee in the world
With love and admiration
Julian M. Guzman
CEO Gold Medusa Coffee Co.