We have completed our two week travels here in Costa Rica and it was an amazing experience. We learned so much while also having so much fun. It was a nice mix of plantation tours, cultural experiences, lectures and other activities that allowed us to experience a lot of what Costa Rica has to offer. This trip has left me with a better understanding of the supply chain process and how it operates.

Each step of the supply chain is important and connected. Those on the farm are already thinking of how to make the delivery process smooth. The farmers are the ones that start the supply chain for the coffee process. They make sure that the plants are being properly cared for and only the ripe cherries are being shipped. This ensures that only the highest quality coffee is being packaged up and delivered to the consumers.

Once the coffee is harvested, it is processed and exported. I learned that companies need to be aware of the proper packaging to make sure that the coffee stays fresh during travel. The coffee processors should make sure that the processed unroasted beans are put into Juke bags with a polyethylene liner. This allows the coffee to remain as fresh as possible. This packaging can also work for roasted coffee.

Coffee roasters need to be aware of the timeline of freshness for their coffee and how quickly they can ship to the retailers or the consumer.Roasted coffee can continue developing flavors and aromas 2-4 weeks after roasting and it can be fresh for up to a year. This is important information for figuring out how to transport the coffee from the roasters to the companies and then from the companies to the consumer. The packing type is an important answer to this problem

The style of transportation also ensures that the quality and freshness are top notch when the consumer receives the coffee. Cargo ships and airplanes are the most common ways of the coffee shipping. Cargo ships are longer but provide the proper storing conditions and are cost effective. Airplanes are shorter but have more costs attached to them and provide more risks to the quality of the coffee. We want the consumer to receive the best quality coffee and the packaging and transportation is the way to ensure that.

All of these steps helped me to better understand the process of coffee because I was able to see the complexity behind each step. This allows me to understand how all parts of the supply chain are connected. I now have a new gained respect for high quality coffee and the coffee industry as I now know it is hard work and there are lots of moving parts that make the industry run.

I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica and I can’t believe our time is over. I am going to miss spending time with these people and being with our mama Tica. I will remember this trip forever! Adios!