Direct Trade: Honduras San Vicente

 

“Direct Trade” is often understood as a structure — a transaction made without unnecessary intermediaries. However, in practice, it is less about removing steps and more about clarifying responsibility.

Direct Trade begins with a decision: to work directly, to communicate transparently, and to commit beyond a single harvest. It assumes long-term partnership rather than short-term sourcing.

 

 

In reality, producers and roasters operate in different languages, markets, and regulatory environments. For this reason, a trusted exporter who ensures accurate communication, logistics, and payment transparency is often essential.

In Santa Bárbara, Honduras, San Vicente plays that role.

Benjamin Paz and his team have worked for decades with producers in the region, building a structure where farmers are consistently connected to international roasters. Their work is not limited to exporting coffee; it is focused on maintaining continuity. When a relationship begins, the intention is for it to continue.

 

In 2025, MOMOS Coffee began working with fifteen producers through this network.

For us, entering a new origin relationship is not a one-season decision. It is an agreement to evaluate quality consistently, communicate clearly about expectations, and return if the partnership proves sustainable for both sides.

This year, as we introduce coffees from producers we are working with for the first time, we chose to present them under the producer’s name rather than only the farm name.

This is not a marketing adjustment. It reflects how we approach sourcing. Coffee quality is shaped by individuals — their farming decisions, risk management, and long-term investment in their land. If we expect continuity, it is appropriate to recognize the person responsible for that work.

 

A cup of coffee travels through many hands before it reaches the final consumer. Direct Trade does not eliminate complexity. It clarifies who is responsible within that chain and who remains committed over time.

For us, Direct Trade is defined not by proximity alone, but by the intention to maintain partnership across harvests.