On this very special bonus episode of Source Code we are speaking with 88 Graines Co-Founder Jolanta "Jola" Czerminska. Prior to launching 88 graines, Jola began her career in coffee in Melbourne, Australia working for Market Lane & Axil Coffee Roasters and eventually, with business partner Agata Agata Pudelek launched 88 Graines. 88 Graines, which means 88 seeds, is based on creating a collaborative social model in coffee sourcing between small and medium coffee producers and independent coffee roasters / roasting companies / future barista champions in order to promote next generation of coffee producers, empowering women & families involved in coffee production and business. We first met Jola on a visit to Guatemala in March of 2020 (a week before the shutdowns) along with her partner Raul Perez which then resulted in Metric being the first US roaster to work with 88 Graines.
Source Code focuses on showcasing the inner working of coffee sourcing, transparency, and sustainability within specialty coffee. Each week, we interview other industry professionals to discuss themes such as certifications, should quality be tied to a living wage, and why transparency is important, yet complicated.