At SLOW, we believe specialty coffee is not just a matter of taste, but of justice. Just as when buying a high-end wine you know the vineyard, the grape, and the vintage, we believe you should have the same level of detail with your coffee. Opacity in the supply chain is the greatest enemy of quality and producer welfare.
I. Knowledge is Quality
The more you know about the origin of your cup, the higher the quality you receive. Transparency allows the producer to receive the recognition they deserve, enabling them to set fair prices for the fruits of their labor and, consequently, provide a better life for their family and community in the mountains of Mexico.
II. We Go "Beyond Fair"
The international Fairtrade standard establishes a minimum price of $1.70 USD per pound of organic coffee. However, the organization itself admits this is not enough to lift farmers out of poverty. For an average coffee-growing family to have a living income, the price should be at least $2.00 USD.
At SLOW, we agree that the minimum is not enough. That is why we are committed to paying substantially more:
- Our minimum commitment: $3.71 USD per pound.
- Our current average: $5.12 USD per pound.
We pay more than double the Fairtrade standard because we value the art behind the grain.
III. An International Crisis
The global coffee industry faces an unprecedented price crisis, driven by climate change affecting crop yields. While production costs rise, the income of smallholder coffee farmers has stagnated or declined over the past 20 years. Today, 80% of global coffee sales are concentrated in just three multinational corporations.
At SLOW, we fight this consolidation by directly supporting master roasters and local producers in San José del Cabo and the producing states of Mexico.
IV. Elevating the Score: Data Over Charity
Our support is not charity; it is technical empowerment. In addition to monetary support, we provide specialized tools, education, and constant feedback to help producers elevate their Cupping Score.
The impact of the score:
The Cupping Score determines the market value of the harvest. The higher the score, the more the producer can charge per pound.
Our tools in the field:
One of the technologies we provide are refractometers. These devices measure the sugar content (Brix degrees) in coffee cherries, allowing the farmer to determine the exact optimal moment for harvest. A cherry picked at its peak ripeness guarantees superior sweetness and a higher cupping score.
V. Mexican Roots, Global Standards
Our mission is for Mexican coffee to be recognized in Los Cabos and the world not only for its flavor profile but for its ethical integrity. By drinking at SLOW, you become an active link in a supply chain that prioritizes the land and those who work it.
"The sweetest coffee is the one paid for with justice."