Central and South America

The high mountains and humid rainforests of Central and South America provide the perfect climate for growing coffee. We source our beans from across the continent, from southern Mexico, through the central regions to Colombia, Peru and the high plateaus of Brazil.

Brazil

Today, most of the world’s coffee comes from Brazil; favored for its mild acidity, smoothness and bittersweet chocolate notes. We are among the country’s largest coffee exporters, with extensive integrated processing capabilities and expertise on the ground, to supply roasters around the world.

Colombia

Known for its rich, mild flavor, today experts consider Colombian coffee among the best in the world. Our on-the-ground presence in Colombia is supported by three coffee mills and a network of buying offices. We offer most coffee varieties and qualities, including regional specialties like Medellín, Huila, and Tolima.

Guatemala

Guatemala is the tenth largest coffee origin in the world, blessed with over 300 microclimates, rich volcanic soil and a long artisanal tradition of coffee production. ofi is one of the country’s top 4 exporters with an upstream buying model that allows us to directly source micro lots from individual farmers that we know personally, for a fully traceable, specialty cup.

Honduras

The coffee from the Central American coffee powerhouse Honduras, is known for its smooth, sweet flavor. Our agronomy and buying experts source from over 800 farmers and cooperatives to offer a full range of popular arabica varieties, as well as specialty coffees from areas like Marcala and San Marco.

Mexico

Coffee did not arrive in Mexico until the late 18th century, but today the country is one of the world’s largest producing origins, with a lot to offer. Distinctive and fruity profiles, a positive social and environmental impact, and a rich coffee-producing heritage. Our team of 38 agronomy and buying experts work with over 100 cooperatives and farmer groups to source mainstream and specialty coffees. Our origination capabilities have been enhanced by establishing two coffee mills supported by seven buying units.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s rich volcanic soils, tropical climate and mountainous regions provide the perfect ground for high-grade coffee. As a top three exporter, ofi brings Nicaragua’s certified and specialty arabicas to roasters worldwide, supporting over 2,000 farmers and their families who grow the crop on their small farms, amongst native and exotic fruit trees.

Peru

For much of Peru’s coffee history, its beans have mostly been enjoyed locally. Today the country is one of the highest certified coffee distributors in the world, with many growers that were once limited by poor infrastructure, now getting the chance to let their coffees shine on the international market. ofi’s agronomy team work with over 5,000 producers on improved cultivation and processing techniques to raise yields and quality.

Read ofi news

Articles May 22, 2023

The colorful ingredients taking over our plates in 2023

The trend for bold colors and flavors in food and beverages is rising this year. With consumers increasingly exposed to an array of global food trends, including a wide range of exotic flavors and colors, many are becoming more experimental. At the same time, confectionery products, treats, and snacks are often a moment of fun and relaxation in consumers’ daily lives, so they can be a great opportunity for experimenting with new and exciting shades. 

Articles May 8, 2023

Employee Spotlight: Sydney Valla, eCommerce Operations Manager, North America

Sydney Valla was an undergrad at Fresno State when she first discovered ofi (olam food ingredients) at a career fair. They were passing out tomato-shaped stress balls and recruiting new grads for a management trainee program. She signed-up for an interview and the rest is her-story.

 

What motivates you when you wake up and come into work?

 

My team! There are six of us who are 100% dedicated to the Spices eCommerce business and we have a combined 35+ years’ experience at ofi. Together, we work to be a solution provider for new and existing customers, put in place processes to help the business grow and overcome any challenges that are thrown our way.

 

Anything you’d like to add to help others succeed?

 

Being in numerous different positions throughout my career (supply chain, product line, sales) has made me a more well-rounded employee and allowed me to view problems from many different angles to find better solutions. I’m glad that I joined a company that offered career growth and expansion. Being a sponge during the early stages of my career allowed me to soak up lots of different information.

 

What has been your favorite moment at ofi so far?

 

When I was a product line manager, there was a large fast-food chain that featured one of our ingredients in a delicious and highly promoted LTO. It was so cool to go through the drive thru, pick up lunch, and know that one of the products that I helped to sell was in an item that was being sold across the country.

 

Our company purpose is ‘be the change for good food and a healthy future.’ In what way do you live our purpose through your work?

 

Through the eCommerce offerings, we can connect with new customers and segments that have previously been difficult to reach. This allows us to work with new customers to make educated purchasing decisions about where their product comes from, our sustainability offerings, and more. Outside of work, I sit on the Board of Directors for the Central California Food Bank which feeds over 300,000 community members in the Central Valley.

 

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Articles May 5, 2023

Growing for the Future: Safeguarding coffee and cocoa from the climate crisis

Imagine waking up to a world without your morning cup of coffee or being able to enjoy your favorite chocolate. Unthinkable, right? But climate change threatens the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers who grow these everyday ingredients.

 

That's where HEARTH (Health, Ecosystems, and Agriculture for Resilient, Thriving Societies) comes in. It is a collaborative public-private partnership approach to sustainable development in biodiverse landscapes initiated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

 

Together, USAID, olam food ingredients (ofi), and partners have invested approximately $50 million across six cocoa and coffee projects worldwide, including four HEARTH partnerships. We aim to equip farmers with the right tools and training to transition to more environmentally friendly techniques without sacrificing their livelihoods. There are three key ingredients at the core of HEARTH’s approach to climate action:

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