April 29th, 2007 by Barbara Soldi
It has been more than 3 years since my last visit to Chiapas, and I was really looking forward to go back to San Cristobal de Las Casas. This small colonial town is a real jewel; I love the magical atmosphere of its cobblestone streets and its lively cultural scene, with its melting pot of Mexican and Mayan folklore and traditions. In the past few years it has become even more cosmopolitan, and you can clearly see the cultural influence of several foreign communities.
Being a coffee lover (not to say addicted), I could not miss the Museo del Café, opened and supported by the CoopCafe`Chiapas, an organization grouping 36 association of campesinos who work in the production of organic and fair trade coffee. The consume of fair trade products has been increasing rapidly in the past few years (especially for products like tea, coffee and chocolate), and most people now know about associations like the CoopCafe`.
What I was really pleased to hear in the museum (and to see in the Cafes around town) is that the Chiapanecos are becoming regular consumers themselves. Three years ago when asking for a coffee in town I knew that in 90% of the cases I would be served a cup of Nescafe`, which really irritated me. Now I get decent stuff 70% of the times and I can find fair trade or organic coffee in at least 30% of the cafes. Good to see that ethics are winning even in countries where paying more for quality and long term benefits for the economy is not as affordable as in Europe, or in the US!!
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on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 at 10:42 pm and is filed under fair trade, sustainable development.
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