Best Of Colombia: Shared Prosperity Through Craft

Colombia Craft Series

FNC Craft x Trabocca

Trabocca has supported the Best of Colombia auctions since 2018, working closely with FNC Craft, the specialty coffee division of the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros. Each year, this partnership connects roasters directly to Colombian producers through cupping events, producer visits, and joint sourcing opportunities.

In 2025, this collaboration continued with Trabocca bringing nine roasters to Colombia to take part in the Best of Cauca and Best of Tolima auctions. The group visited farms, met producers, and participated in the cupping and bidding process, strengthening long-term relationships and expanding possibilities for future partnerships with Colombian producers.

Auctions are a matter of bolstering specialty coffee at large. Not so much for the roaster, but the small holder. A rising tide lifts all boats. If we can convince producers that roasters want to commit and convince roasters that producers are willing to deliver, then we can forge sustainability.

Sean Capistrant, Trade Manager NA

The Mission of Craft

Alejandra Hernández Fernández, from FNC Craft, shared insights into FNC Craft’s mission and the impact of the program. “Our mission is to protect the wellbeing of coffee growers and position Colombian coffee quality in different markets, strengthening the value of the Colombian coffee brand.”

Then she explained that FNC Craft connects regional identity with producer prosperity, and that premiums from auctions and specialty sales are reinvested to benefit coffee-growing communities.

Funds and Regional Investments

“FNC premiums are reinvested in programs that align with our mission of improving the wellbeing of Colombian coffee growers. These funds go to the National Coffee Fund, a public fund owned by the coffee growers of Colombia. The resources are used to support initiatives such as infrastructure development (for example, building and maintaining rural roads) providing agronomic extension services that assist farmers regularly, and funding our research institute, Cenicafé.”

She added: “One of the most important uses of these funds is to guarantee coffee purchase from growers. The FNC has the responsibility to buy all the coffee offered by producers, regardless of market prices or conditions. This guarantee is a unique benefit that no other coffee-producing country provides to its farmers.”

Shared Opportunities Through Craft

“Live auctions are unique experiences. The enthusiasm of the producers in attendance is astounding and knowing that the high auction prices make a difference in the season’s income for smallholders makes the event even more special. The focus on the Cauca region was a great way to dive deeper into a specific terroir, one of the many Colombia has to offer.”, said Ted Stachura from Equator Coffees.

As Alejandra noted: “The most special part was witnessing the roasters satisfaction while cupping the coffees — recognizing the quality, and appreciating the diversity of producers and coffee profiles that Colombia has in its portfolio. And working together with Trabocca was truly inspiring. They clearly recognize the strong opportunity for Colombian coffee in the North American market and believe, as we do, that Craft and its network of producers have a huge potential.”

Participating Roasters

Brio, Doshi House, Equator Coffees,

Gost Coffee Roasters, Metropolis, Mighty Oak,

Millcross, Mirra Coffee Roasters, True Coffee Roasters

Dilio Norvey Pechene and Mirra Coffee Roasters

One of the highlights was the purchase from Dilio Norvey Pechene, from La Primavera, Piendamó, Cauca. His Borbón Rosado and Tabi (washed) coffee was the highest-priced lot purchased through the Trabocca network, sold to Mirra Coffee Roasters at $66.49/kg. Dilio explained that he only picks the ripest fruit shortly before it almost falls from the tree and turns purple. "When fermenting the coffee, I follow the 'Fermaestro' tool, which was developed by FNC to track the duration of the fermentation." said Dilio. "I want to embrace my sister, brother, and uncles as well to participate with their farms and coffee!"

We feel immense gratitude in knowing that our daily dedication and meticulous effort have paid off, allowing us to sell our coffee at a great price. This year marks a significant milestone: after participating previously, this is the first time our coffee has finally placed and won the contest! The work does not stop here; we are motivated to continue raising the bar!

Dilio Norvey Pechene

Single Producers and Regional Blends

Two Expressions of Craft

“The auction model is a great opportunity for roasters to build direct relations with producers in origin. And Trabocca helps to facilitate with its expertise in importing and financing.” said Chris Petrovich, Trader NA. Aside of the single-producer micro-lots in the auctions, we blend lots of the coffees that didn’t make the final selection. These blenders can offer great value and support farmer communities that didn’t make it into the micro – lot market but helps them to gain access to the international specialty market.

Single-producer lots: mostly 35 kg bags, limited availability, purchased at fixed prices, rewarding individual producers and their craftsmanship
Regional and village blends: 70 kg bags, broader availability, purchased on differentials, strengthening collective value and regional identity

Prices, Volumes, and Transparency

Trabocca’s participation (including its roaster network) in the 2025 FNC Craft auctions resulted in 16,135 kg of coffee purchased, with a total value of $196,647.89 paid to FNC. All prices for the blenders that have been bought on differentials are based on the average C market prices of September ($3.83/lb). The weighted average price paid for the single-producer lots 2.4 x higher, marking a significant premium considering the high prices in September! "These types of collaborations between Trabocca, our clients and the FNC open doors to potential long-term relationships that we can continue to facilitate year after year. There is a level of trust and transparency you create when we all come together at an event like this." said Chris.

Extending Access – Craft Coffees on Spot

In addition, Trabocca has the opportunity to take position on some of the lots in the auction along with regional blenders. “This ensures that roasters who couldn’t attend the auctions in Colombia can still access and experience these coffees.” In 2025, Trabocca offers a Cauca Village Blend, that showcase the collective effort of various smallholder producers in the region. Despite being a blender, the coffee holds unique characteristic and transfers sweet, exotic, and citric flavors to the cup.

Call for Upcoming Auctions

Looking ahead, Trabocca invites roasters to join the 2026 FNC Craft auctions and origin trips to Colombia. “Although I’ve gone on many trips to coffee producing regions throughout the world, live auctions are unique experiences. Tasting many high quality lots, over a short period of time, provides the judges with an insight into the region that is difficult to duplicate. The comradery that develops amongst the group of international judges around the cupping table is another aspect of the event that makes it memorable. It is always valuable to visit coffee producing countries, particularly ones like Colombia that is such an important origin for sourcing at Equator.”, mentioned Ted. If you are interested in our Colombia spot selection or want to participate in the future, reach out to your trader.

Shared Prosperity

The FNC Craft x Trabocca collaboration demonstrates how auctions can drive shared prosperity — connecting the dedication of smallholders with the commitment of roasters. As Sean said: “Auctions are a matter of bolstering specialty coffee at large. Not so much for the roaster, but the small holder. A rising tide lifts all boats.” Together, FNC Craft, Trabocca, and the participating roasters are proving that transparency, fair value, and collaboration can make that tide rise for everyone.

In pursuit of great coffee.

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