Lucia Solis, Fermentation Consultant
Lucia studied Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis, specializing in microbiology and fermentation science. She spent nine years working in wine production in Napa Valley before transitioning her focus to coffee in 2014.
Today, she is a coffee fermentation and processing specialist with over 12 years of international experience, having worked alongside producers in more than 15 countries.
Lucia supports coffee producers in rethinking processing as a strategic opportunity to add value and reduce risk at the wet mill. Her work centers on simplifying and streamlining protocols from fermentation through drying, creating greater clarity and operational control.
By applying microbiological principles, she helps producers develop reproducible cup profiles while bringing stability to one of the most variable stages of coffee production. Her approach emphasizes scientific rigor combined with practical simplicity — ensuring that innovation remains accessible and scalable.
James Hoffmann
James Hoffmann is an award-winning coffee professional, author, and communicator known for his influential work in specialty coffee. He won the World Barista Championship in 2007 and has since become one of the industry’s most respected voices through his educational YouTube channel, books, and global projects. James is recognized for making complex coffee topics accessible, combining deep technical knowledge with clarity, curiosity, and thoughtful exploration of flavor, process, and brewing.
Caravela, Origin & Global Distribution Partner
Caravela has been present in Guatemala since 2016, building long-term relationships with 23 coffee-growing communities across the country. Through three strategically located buying stations and a year-round, on-the-ground team, Caravela maintains direct engagement with producers, ensuring consistent support, quality control, and traceability.
As a sourcing partner, Caravela brings deep expertise in green coffee sourcing, processing, quality management, and international trade. Caravela's integrated model connects producers and roasters through structured processes that prioritize transparency, reliability, and long-term value creation.
Within this project, Caravela contributes its technical knowledge in green coffee processing, quality assurance, export operations, and global logistics ensuring that coffees move efficiently and consistently from origin to roasters worldwide.
With established importing capabilities across multiple markets, Caravela bridges origin and destination, supporting stability, visibility, and continuity throughout the supply chain.