⛵FAQ: Koru Coffee Sail Boat Transported Coffee Beans
What. is sail boat transported coffee?

Sail boat transported coffee is green coffee beans shipped across the ocean using wind-powered sailboats instead of traditional fossil fuel-powered container ships, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Who operates the sail boats that transport Koru Coffee beans?

Our coffee beans are transported by two sail boat providers: Kaap Kargo, a company based in Amsterdam that uses sail cargo vessels to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional shipping, and Comptoir D'eole, another pioneering sail cargo operator committed to environmentally friendly transport.
How much does sail boat transport reduce carbon emissions?

Sail boat transport can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional container shipping, making it a highly sustainable choice.
How long does the sail boat journey take?

Sailing from Europe to Colombia usually takes between three and five weeks one way, depending on winds and weather. The round trip, therefore, can require six to ten weeks, reflecting both the slower pace and the sustainable philosophy behind sail cargo transport.
Are there any challenges with sail boat transport?

While sail boat transport is slower and subject to weather variability, it aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The nature of sail boats means that there are limited trips done per year, so careful forward planning is required to maximise the sail boat deliveries and ensure a reliable supply of coffee beans.
Does sail boat transport affect the quality of the coffee beans?

No, the quality of the coffee beans is maintained through careful handling and storage during the journey.
Where can I learn more about the sail boat transport process?

You can follow Kaap Kargo’s or Comptoir D'eole’s social media channels for updates and footage of the sail boat deliveries. Find them on Instagram at Kaap Kargo and Comptoir D'eole.
Why is sail boat transport important for Koru Coffee’s mission?

It complements our partnership with the Seynekun Indigenous families by extending the philosophy of environmental respect and slow, intentional movement from farm to consumer.

🏔 About the Seynekun Indigenous Growers
Who grows Koru Coffee’s beans?

Our coffee is cultivated by the Seynekun Indigenous families of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the most biodiverse and spiritually significant mountain ranges in the world. The Seynekun community is part of the Arhuaco people, known for their deep ecological knowledge and their belief that caring for the land is a sacred responsibility
What is special about Seynekun-grown coffee?

The Seynekun families farm at high altitudes using ancestral, organic, and regenerative practices. Their approach is guided by a philosophy of balance—protecting soil, water, and biodiversity while nurturing coffee plants in harmony with the surrounding forest. This results in exceptionally clean, sweet, and complex beans with a flavour profile shaped by volcanic soil, shade-grown cultivation, and careful hand-harvesting.
How does Koru Coffee support the Seynekun community?

We work through a direct-trade partnership that ensures the families receive fair compensation. This supports community-led initiatives such as land conservation, education, and cultural preservation. Every purchase helps sustain their traditional way of life and their stewardship of the Sierra Nevada.

🌱 Farming, Culture, and Sustainability
  • Shade-grown cultivation under native trees that protect wildlife and soil.
  • Hand-picking only ripe cherries to maintain quality.
  • Natural composting and organic soil enrichment.
  • Minimal water use and protection of sacred water sources. These practices reflect their belief that the Sierra Nevada is the “Heart of the World,” a living ecosystem that must be respected and protected.

Quality
Seynekun is certified Excelso export grade and typically cups 83–84.5 SCA, placing it firmly within specialty range.

Organic
The farm holds Colombian organic certification.

⛵ From Mountain to Sailboat
How do the beans travel from the Seynekun farms to the UK?

After harvesting and processing in the Sierra Nevada, the green beans are transported to the Colombian coast and loaded onto a wind-powered cargo sailboat. This low-impact journey across the Atlantic takes time but dramatically reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional shipping.
Why combine Indigenous farming with sailboat transport?

Both practices share a philosophy of slow, intentional, environmentally respectful movement. The Seynekun families care for the land; the sailboat protects the ocean and atmosphere. Together, they create a supply chain rooted in stewardship rather than speed.