In the realm of coffee, there is a powerful organization dedicated to empowering women and fostering gender equality in the industry: the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA). With a mission to uplift women across the coffee supply chain, IWCA plays a pivotal role in creating opportunities, promoting leadership, and driving positive change. Today we want to highlight the remarkable work and purpose of the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) and the beginning of our valuable partnership. IWCA's vision and mission is to empower women in the coffee community through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities. As a specialty coffee roaster, we recognize...

The Pickers Project, Proyecto Recoloectores, has once again produced a stunning micro lot of coffee that has left our tastebuds abundantly impressed. At Ferris, we've continued to try and find exciting single origin coffees to roast for you. Always on the look-out for coffees with a story, Colombia Nariño had us captivated. With an emphasis on elevating every person within the supply chain, Azahar Coffee's Picker Project Program directly aligns with our passion to help with the sustainability of the industry.  Written and provided by Azahar Coffee The coffee industry's precarious business Working on a farm is not easy. Farmworkers from all over the...

"Q-Grading" is a term used a lot in the specialty coffee world, so what is it exactly? Today we're going to break down what it's about, how people become certified, and the significance of what it all means. Luckily for us at Ferris, we have two staff members who are certified and can explain it all for us.

Since 2007, UNIOCAFE has invested in its producer network by providing training, financing and access to coffee buyers. In 2016, UNIOCAFE expanded its programs to focus on empowering youth, promoting gender equity and addressing climate change — and were identified as an ideal group for the Coffee Kids program to team with. Currently, UNIOCAFE provides young producers with best-practices training in coffee cultivation, cupping and coffee quality, as well as processing and preparation for export. At the same time, the youth are learning how to develop strong organizational and business skills.