Sainsbury’s and Finlays have partnered to launch a dedicated roast & ground product sourced directly from the lush, rolling hills of La Celia – a small town nestled in Colombia’s coffee heartland.

Over the past four years, Finlays, the Coffee grower´s Cooperative of Risaralda - COOPCAFER, University of the Andes in Colombia & Cardiff University in United Kingdom have pioneered new coffee growing model. This initiative is more than just about providing great quality coffee, it’s about empowering 34 dedicated women farmers and demonstrating what climate resilient coffee can look like. 

As a business, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions in our supply chains and to protect & regenerate landscapes. In La Celia, we are supporting the reduction of carbon emissions on farms while enhancing the resilience of both the environment and the communities that depend on it. Through a holistic approach focused on low emission fertilisation and forest restoration, we are supporting these inspiring women to create a model of sustainable coffee farming that benefits both people and the planet. 

There are increased efforts to enhance forest cover on and around the coffee farms. Forests are not only carbon sinks, they’re vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and provide shade that improves coffee quality. Over the past four years, the La Celia women farmers have planted native trees, transforming areas into thriving green spaces. Reforestation helps to sequester carbon, mitigate soil erosion, and create natural habitats for local wildlife. By planting trees directly into coffee plantations, coffee can be grown amongst a thriving ecosystem. In addition, wastewater treatment systems have been installed on farms to reduce contaminating during wet processing. 

Through workshops, field training, and knowledge exchanges, there is a strong network where these women support each other, share best practices, and inspire their communities. They’ve become advocates for climate-smart agriculture, role models for future generations, and key players in Colombia’s coffee sector. 

Measuring success 

To accurately measure outcomes of this project, a baseline farm emission study was completed in 2022, and after applying interventions in year two, they were measured again in years three and four. Emission calculations have been verified by a third party, Anthesis Lavola.  

Key outcomes so far:  

• Coffee produced by the 34 farms in La Celia have on average a 30% reduction in carbon emissions at farm level (compared to a 2022 baseline).
• Planting of 500 native trees on farm to reduce soil erosion and improve landscape connectivity
• 13 water treatment systems installed to reduce water contamination 
• Carbon footprint baseline complete showing 62% of emissions are attributed to fertilisers (2022) 

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the progress so far, the results are clear: reduced carbon emissions, healthier ecosystems, and stronger, more empowered communities.

Our collective vision is to scale these practices across Sainsbury’s wider coffee sourcing regions, inspire more farmers, and continue innovating to meet the challenges of climate impacts. Through collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to sustainability, the women of La Celia are proving that it’s possible to continue producing world-class coffee whilst building resilient supply chains.

Click here to find out more about sustainable sourcing at Sainsbury’s.