Sustainable coffee, a source of pride for UCundinamarca

By: Alejandro García Suárez – Advisory Office of Communications

A family dream of more than thirty years has become a reality thanks to the talent, perseverance, and fundamental support of the University of Cundinamarca. José Daniel Torres Pinto, an eighth-semester Public Accounting student in Fusagasugá, has been leading Kaffee Catar, a natural and eco-friendly coffee project in Arbeláez, Cundinamarca, since 2017.

“My path as an entrepreneur has flourished thanks to the synergy between my vision and the invaluable support of the University of Cundinamarca,” said Torres Pinto, acknowledging that the institutional support was fundamental to making his life project a reality.

From tradition to innovation

In the heart of Arbeláez, the story of this enterprise began with the work of José Daniel's grandparents. Today, it has transformed into a comprehensive production that includes planting, harvesting, drying, roasting, and selling high-quality coffee.

“It all starts on our farm, where we cultivate varieties like Castillo, Typica, Caturra, and Colombia,” explained the young entrepreneur. Their environmental commitment is evident at every stage; they use an eco-friendly, water-efficient pulper and treat the coffee wastewater to produce organic fertilizer. These efforts have earned them the 4C certification from the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation and the CAR's Green Business seal, guaranteeing their commitment to sustainability and Good Agricultural Practices.

The venture has received support from the Departmental Entrepreneurship Fund (FED) 2019, the Mayor's Office of Arbeláez and the Government of Cundinamarca, allowing them to acquire specialized equipment such as selector monitors and industrial mills.

José Daniel emphasized that his training in Accounting has been fundamental: “The knowledge acquired allowed me to structure and formalize every aspect of the business, from financial management to strategic planning.”.

The university not only provided education, but a complete growth platform, “It provided me with personalized advice, promoted me in its marketplace and invited us to participate in entrepreneurship fairs and events like Expocafés,” the student said.

A dream come true

This institutional support allowed Kaffee Catar to reach a wider audience and position itself in translocal and international markets. “Academic knowledge and fieldwork are a powerful combination for success,” stated Torres Pinto.

Entrepreneurship not only boosts the local economy, but also promotes coffee culture and environmental stewardship, contributing to the development of the Sumapaz region.

José Daniel especially thanked the University of Cundinamarca for its support, which, through its Transmodern Digital Educational Model (MEDIT), provided him with the necessary academic and human tools to turn a family dream into a successful business reality.

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