The El Puente ("the bridge") facility holds a significant name, representing both a literal footbridge over a nearby river and, more importantly, the crucial link it establishes between local smallholder coffee producers and the global specialty coffee industry. This processing facility is part of a social impact project initiated by Clearpath Coffee in 2018. It addresses persistent challenges faced by the region's smallholder producers and is supported by community investment dedicated to the sustainable development of rural areas.
The process begins with flotation sorting of the freshly harvested coffee cherries. Following sorting, the cherries are de-pulped and washed, then undergo fermentation for 24 to 32 hours. Finally, the fermented coffee is dried for 20 to 25 days before being transported to El Puente for the final steps of milling, packaging, and export.
