Farm to Cup: Rooted in the Heart of Honduras
In Honduras, coffee fuels the economy and nearly a third of the population depends on it for their livelihood. But as Leticia Hutchins, one of Alma Coffee’s owners, explained, the reality for many small farmers is tough. “We’d see farmers with just an acre or two of land, putting everything they had into it. But how can you really create a sustainable livelihood for your family with only that much land? Most had no choice but to sell to middlemen, making very little in return.”
That cycle inspired Alma to build a different model. “With us coming in, we not only provided job opportunities, but career opportunities,” Leticia said. Today, many team members have dedicated their lives to working with Alma, and their farm, Finca Terrerito, already has spaces for the next generation to grow into. She added, “It’s not enough for us to succeed. You have to bring others along in the journey with you if you want to see a change in the industry. It can’t happen with just one person or one company. It has to be the whole industry moving together.”
For Alma, Direct Trade isn’t just a business choice. It’s essential for both quality and fairness. “Unfortunately, there’s a lot of funny business in the coffee industry,” Leticia explained. “Coffee doesn’t have a serial number. It’s easy to re-sack older coffee and sell it as if it’s fresh. Eliminating those risks was really important to us, which is why we wanted our hands on every step of the process.”
By working directly with their own farms, like Finca T, and long-trusted partners, Alma ensures transparency and long-term support for farmers. “We know the people we work with personally. They share the same mission as us. Doing good, doing it the right way, growing good coffee, and paying people fairly. That’s how the industry should be.”
One of Alma’s favorite ways to create impact is by connecting Honduras and the U.S. The U.S. team travels to origin to see the farms firsthand, while Honduran team members are invited to the U.S. to experience the other side of the coffee journey. “It’s really special,” Leticia reflected. “We’ve been able to bring people to Honduras who may have never thought to go otherwise. They come back falling in love with the people, the food, and the culture. At the same time, our Honduran team gets to see the opportunities here in the U.S. that they might never have access to otherwise. Coffee gives us this bridge to connect both worlds in ways that truly change lives.”
When you sip Alma Coffee, you’re drinking more than just a delicious roast. You’re becoming part of a bigger story, one that starts in Copán, Honduras and reaches every community Alma Coffee touches. Each bag supports ethical farming practices, creates lasting opportunities for families, and carries with it a piece of the heart of Honduras.
