Today we’d like to introduce you to Yair “Leo” Carvajalino
Hi Yair, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a third-generation coffee farmer from Colombia .My grandfather, Concho Guerrero, dedicated 94 years to coffee farming, often transporting beans by mule for hours to reach the nearest city. Growing up on my family’s coffee farm, I inherited a deep passion for coffee cultivation.
In 2018, I moved to Minnesota and noticed that while coffee culture was prevalent, many consumers were disconnected from its origins. Motivated to bridge this gap, I founded Norte Café Roasters in December 2020, aiming to share the authentic taste of Colombian coffee and its story. This venture allows me to bring high-quality, single-origin Colombian coffee directly from my family’s farm to consumers in Minnesota.
By sourcing beans directly from my family’s farm and roasting them locally in Minnesota, I ensure that each cup embodies the journey from my family’s farm to the consumer’s table.
Today, Norte Café Roasters partners with over 25 stores, including Hy-Vee and Kowalski’s, bringing high-quality, single-origin Colombian coffee to a growing community of enthusiasts. My commitment to transparency and quality allows customers to trace their coffee back to its roots, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beverage and the hands that cultivate it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey of building Norte Café Roasters has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has been a stepping stone toward growth. I started with a bold vision—to bring high-quality, single-origin coffee directly from my family’s farm in Colombia to customers in the U.S. However, turning that vision into reality came with its share of struggles.
One of the biggest hurdles was navigating the complexities of importing coffee while ensuring full traceability and ethical sourcing. Unlike larger coffee brands, Norte Café manages the entire process—from farming to roasting to distribution—which meant overcoming logistical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and high shipping costs.
Entering the retail market was another challenge. Convincing grocery stores to carry Norte Café required persistence and proving that customers valued high-quality, farm-direct coffee. It took countless meetings, sampling events, and storytelling to get retailers on board. Today, Norte Café is proudly available in over 25 stores, but the journey to expansion continues.
Additionally, like many small businesses, there were financial and operational struggles—balancing growth, maintaining quality, and building brand awareness. But through hard work, passion, and a commitment to transparency, I have built a brand that not only delivers exceptional coffee but also honors the farmers and the communities behind every bean.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A Coffee Entrepreneur with a Mission
I am the founder and farmer behind Norte Café Roasters, a company dedicated to bringing high-quality, ethically sourced coffee from my family farm in Colombia to coffee lovers in the U.S. My journey is unique because I am deeply involved in every step of the process—from growing the beans to roasting and distributing them.
What Do I Specialize In?
I specialize in farm-to-cup coffee production, ensuring full traceability and transparency. Unlike many coffee companies that rely on intermediaries, I control the entire supply chain, allowing me to guarantee exceptional quality, ethical sourcing, and fair wages for farmers.
What Am I Known For?
I am known for my commitment to sustainable, single-origin coffee and my hands-on approach. Norte Café Roasters has built a reputation for its direct trade model, meaning customers know exactly where their coffee comes from, how it was grown, and the people behind it.
What Am I Most Proud Of?
I take great pride in supporting my family farm in Colombia and creating opportunities for farmers by ensuring they are paid fairly. I am also proud of Norte Café’s expansion into over 25 grocery stores in the Twin Cities, helping more people experience high-quality, ethically sourced coffee.
What Sets me Apart?
My dual role as both a farmer and brand owner makes me stand out in the coffee industry. While many brands source coffee through third parties, I am directly involved in growing, harvesting, and roasting the beans. This hands-on approach results in a deeply personal connection to the product, a commitment to ethical sourcing, and a level of transparency rarely seen in the industry.
Through Norte Café Roasters, I am not just selling coffee—I am sharing a story, a legacy, and a passion for coffee that is rooted in family, culture, and sustainability. ☕🌱
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
A true passion for what you do and the courage to chase your dreams
Pricing:
- Free shipping for online order through our website www.nortecafe.shop
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nortecafe.shop/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nortecafe.shop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nortecafe.shop/
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=norte+cafe&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS949US949&oq=norte+cafe+&gs
