Lecture Description
Managing cash flow is one of the most pressing challenges in coffee production. Producers face year-long expenses for farm maintenance, harvesting, and processing but receive payment only after coffee is sold or shipped. The financial crunch forces many to sell under pressure, reducing access to higher-paying direct trade markets and compromising profitability.
The global financing gap in agriculture is huge—estimated at $106 bn by Root Capital, roughly the GDP of Ethiopia—and traditional lenders often exclude smaller producers. Those that do qualify face slow decision-making processes and complex agreements that are difficult to navigate.
New approaches are emerging. Inspired by tech sector innovations such as Square or Stripe, some financing models use alternative data to assess creditworthiness, bypassing traditional requirements like balance sheets and income statements. Programs like Algrano’s Grower Capital, for example, evaluate producers based on customer retention, shipment delays, and quality claims.
This lecture will examine the impact of credit on producer operations, contrasting institutional lenders, non-profit institutions, and data-driven private-sector models. With insights from Majestic Coffees in Colombia, participants will explore how financial tools influence decision-making at origin, enabling smarter decisions, better cash flow management, and stronger market participation.
Date: Sunday April 27, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Room 351DEF
Category: Business
Access: This lecture is free to attend with a Specialty Coffee Expo entry badge. Register to attend Specialty Coffee Expo here.
Please note that lecture sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended to secure your seat.
Speakers
Florian Schaffner
Chief Financial Officer & Head of Data, Algrano
Florian Schaffner is the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Data at Algrano, and is managing the Algrano Grower Capital program in his role. He has a PhD in Economics and Statistics, and has previously worked for large financial institutions in Risk Management, Data Science and Commodity Trade Finance.
Fernando Patiño
Fernando Patiño has over 15 years in coffee with a journey that started in Huila, Colombia. He has a background in business development and technical training for coffee companies at origin. Now, he leads export operations at Majestic Coffees, where he also offers consultancy to producers and implements social projects.