Peruvian agronomist named as "Sustainability Champion" by the Specialty Coffee Association

The Peruvian agronomist, Esperanza Dionisio Castillo, representative of the Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa, located in the Junin region, was named 'Champion of Sustainability' by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Each year, the SCA grants the Sustainability Awards, which celebrate innovative individuals, projects and businesses supporting sustainable growth in the coffee industry through collaborative partnerships that pursue equity, prioritize mutual benefits and result in a positive impact on the entire coffee supply chain.

Esperanza worked as an extensionist in rural development and tropical agriculture, especially in coffee from 1977 to 1996, and traveled to Costa Rica and Brazil for her specialization. In 1997 he joined Pangoa as the cooperative’s manager and remained in this position to investigate the marketing of coffee, an essential function of the cooperative.

To date, Pangoa is consolidated as a leading organization at national level holding Organic, Fair-trade, and Bird Friendly certifications. The cooperative constantly seek social, environmental and economic development of their members and collaborators.

Our awarded agronomist, as well as the other winners, will receive the distinctions at the Re: co Symposium, which will be held April 10-11 in Boston, Massachusetts. This event is designed for high level discussion, leading innovation and the development of strategies for those passionate and influential in the world of specialty coffees.

About SCA and the Sustainability Awards

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a nonprofit, membership-based association built on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge. From coffee farmers to baristas and roasters, this membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain. SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry and works to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach.

Currently, SCA grants Sustainability Awards in three categories: The Project award, the  Business Model award and the Sustainability Champion award, this last one was implemented this year as a prize that recognizes the work and the impact of a person.