Every year, International Coffee Day gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything we love about coffee, not just the drink itself, but the people, places, and stories behind each cup.
For us at Carrow, this day brings back a lot of memories. So, we took a little trip down memory lane, back to where our specialty coffee journey began: Colombia.
Where it all started
Our first real step into the world of specialty coffee was taken among the mountains and farms of Colombia. We had the incredible opportunity to visit growers and producers, walk their farms, and share stories over cups of freshly brewed coffee - and of course, bowls of ajiaco, one of Colombia’s most iconic soups.
We felt the energy of a growing coffee movement there: producers experimenting with new varieties, investing in quality, and building direct relationships with roasters like us. There was (and still is) a deep sense of pride in their work and a genuine passion for producing coffee that reflects the land, the climate, and the people who grow it.
What we learned
The time we spent in Colombia, nearly four years, influenced a lot of what we do today. We learned how much care and labour goes into every stage of the process: from handpicking cherries to drying, milling, and exporting. We saw how climate, altitude, soil, and farming practices all influence the final cup.
And we realised that great coffee doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of good management, skill and a commitment to quality.
Gratitude for the journey
This day is also the perfect opportunity to say thank you, to all the amazing people we’ve met along the way, who, like us, value transparency, quality, and connection.
We had so much fun during those early trips and we have very fond memories that continue to inspire us every day.
Below, we’ve included a few photos that take us right back to those early days, when we were young and adventurous, full of curiosity, and just beginning to understand the world of specialty coffee.
