Pergamino

The term 'pergamino'—Spanish for parchment—denotes the thin, fibrous endocarp that encases the coffee seed after the fruit pulp is removed but before the final milling process. In agricultural practice, this layer acts as a vital protective barrier, shielding the delicate green bean from environmental fluctuations, moisture loss, and physical damage during the drying phase. For producers and roasters, the condition of the parchment is a primary indicator of processing quality; it must be dried carefully to ensure the bean remains stable for storage and transport before it is hulled to reveal the green coffee ready for roasting.

Beyond its technical definition, Pergamino is a highly respected, vertically integrated coffee enterprise based in Medellín, Colombia. Founded by the Echavarría family, the company originated over 30 years ago on a family farm in the mountains of Santa Bárbara, Antioquia. The family’s initial experience as growers revealed the inherent instability of the traditional, anonymous coffee market, where volatile prices often failed to provide fair returns for the labor and quality-focused practices required to produce specialty-grade coffee.

Driven by the need for economic sustainability, the family transitioned from simple cultivation to a comprehensive model that encompasses production, exporting, roasting, and retail. This shift allowed them to bypass intermediaries and establish direct, reciprocal relationships with other small-scale producers. Today, Pergamino works with more than 1,500 allied producers across Colombia, providing a platform that emphasizes transparency and quality-based compensation rather than commodity-market pricing.

Pergamino’s operational philosophy is rooted in rigorous sensory evaluation and technical precision. The company tastes approximately 5,000 coffee lots annually to identify exceptional profiles, ensuring that only the finest beans reach their roasting facility. Their approach to roasting is equally meticulous, focusing on small batches that highlight the unique characteristics of Colombian origins, which are then served in their own specialty shops or exported to over 20 countries worldwide.

This commitment to excellence has earned the company significant recognition within the global coffee community. Their influence extends beyond the cup, as evidenced by their recent success at the Global Coffee Awards, where they received the Best Packaging prize in the Origin category. This award highlights their ability to marry high-quality agricultural output with a sophisticated brand identity that resonates with international consumers and industry professionals alike.

Ultimately, the story of Pergamino serves as a case study in modern specialty coffee, illustrating how a producer-led business can successfully navigate the entire supply chain. By maintaining control from the farm level—where the parchment protects the harvest—to the final retail experience, they have created a sustainable ecosystem that supports both the farmer's livelihood and the roaster's pursuit of quality. Their work continues to set a benchmark for how origin-based companies can elevate the value of Colombian coffee on the world stage.