Inspiration can strike from the most unexpected quarters. For us at Lluevacafe, it wasn't just the aroma of coffee beans or the brewing process that stirred our souls; instead, it was a song that spoke directly to our Latino roots. "Ojalá que llueva café en el campo," a touching melody by the maestro himself, Juan Luis Guerra, sparked the journey of our business. The lyrical beauty of "I wish it would rain coffee," resonated with us not only as a tribute to our homeland but also as a symbol of prosperity.
Established as a Latino-owned and operated company, Lluevacafe was born out of a desire to bring together the finest coffee beans from acclaimed coffee farmers across Latin America. We saw an opportunity to combine technology, data, and algorithms to not only enhance the lives of Latin American families but also to deliver an unparalleled coffee experience to the United States.
A core principle of our business model is fairness and sustainability. True to the spirit of our inspiration, we envision a landscape where it "rains" prosperity on coffee farmers. Our commitment to this vision is reflected in our 300% Fair-Trade promise. Unlike conventional practices, we ensure that our farmers are compensated based on the quality of their produce. Our farmers receive 300% higher wages than what Fair Trade stipulates, embodying the prosperous rain we yearn to create.
We also deeply value quality. As purveyors of specialty coffee, we trade only in the highest quality green coffee beans. Each bean is meticulously graded to guarantee a score of 80 or above on a 100-point scale by a certified coffee taster. The resulting product is a testament to our obsession with quality and our dedication to the intricate art of coffee-making.
Another principle that we hold dear at Lluevacafe is our "Cherry-Pickers" promise. This involves a painstaking process of selection that ensures a maximum of five defects per 12 oz (350 g) of coffee beans. Each bean is picked with utmost precision and care, thereby encapsulating the flavor, aroma, and the artisanal legacy of our heritage.
Our commitment to quality does not end at the selection process. To ensure the best tasting experience for our consumers, our coffee beans are always roasted fresh-to-order in small batches right here in Montclair, New Jersey. Each batch is hand-scooped, retaining the human touch in a world driven by automation.
The journey of Lluevacafe is a testament to our roots, our love for coffee, and our relentless pursuit of quality. We take pride in the principles that guide us, the heritage that grounds us, and the technology that empowers us. The beautiful words of Juan Luis Guerra not only inspired our inception but also continue to drive our mission - to be the premier online coffee marketplace that honors and promotes the rich Latino coffee culture.
Just as the song hopes for coffee to rain on the fields, we hope to shower prosperity, not just on our consumers with a rich coffee experience, but also on our farmers by creating sustainable livelihoods. We are Lluevacafe - the coffee guys inspired by a song, motivated by our heritage, and dedicated to brewing excellence, one cup at a time.
