Nestor Lasso Natural Sidra - Colombia

Nestled in Pitalito, Huila, El Diviso is a 14 ½ Hectare farm sitting at an altitude of 1750MSL. For producer Nestor Lasso, this coffee producing region has always been home. A childhood spent amongst nature, living off the fruit and vegetable harvests from the farm inspired the decision to stay in the coffee producing industry rather than seek out an office-based career. 

‘Beyond what specialty coffee brings economically, I have always had a passion for production. When I realised that specialty coffee offered a real possibility of economic development, and that in addition I could develop my knowledge of coffee production, and in particular the processes, I really got into it.’

Both Nestor and Adrian developed their skill by attending SENA – a programme funded by the Colombian State, recognised as the best growing school in Latin America. Theoretical bases, the science of coffee processing, and the importance of cupping were all taught to the brothers here. But as argued by Nestor, the reality of the job is learned in the field. 

‘What really makes the difference is the passion that the producer can have for the coffee. If you're not naturally passionate, you'll never get the trick! Often, some coffee growers here have a lot of money because they have a lot of land and the best machines possible. But specialty coffee does not interest them, they do not see the point of changing because they are not as passionate about coffee as we are. I have seen that specialty coffee consumption has changed a lot in recent years in the country. Until recently, Colombians only drank coffee by-products, anything that could not be exported. But people here have realised that coffee is a much more noble product than it seems. Many producers today keep part of their harvest to roast it themselves and drink it at home. All the specialty coffee craze has really brought about a different way of looking at coffee.’