Despite being a dynamic world that, in the words of our team, is "never boring," the world of logistics comes with an innumerable amount of constant challenges. That’s why we are so grateful to have a team of patient and hardworking professionals who help us ensure that all the coffees you buy leave their country of origin and arrive at their destination port, warehouses, and your roastery in the best possible way!
Logistics is often an undervalued role in the supply chain despite being absolutely essential for coffee to reach its destination. It’s not the most glamorous role—with mountains of paperwork and constant stress—but it is undeniably indispensable.
Today, we’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Logistics Department: Angie Alvarez, our new Traceable Logistics Supervisor. Angie, based in Bogotá, Colombia, has been working in the logistics industry for almost a decade and is eager to start her first job in the coffee industry, mixing her passion for logistics and hunger for impact and sustainability!
________________________________________________
Sustainable Harvest: First, how did you end up in the Logistics world? Tell us a bit about your background!
Angie: I studied international business with a focus on logistics, and I have a specialization in logistics management and a master’s degree in supply chain management.
Everything I studied is related to foreign trade and international logistics. When I was choosing internships, my career took a specific direction because I started working for a freight forwarder in Colombia, then one in the United States as an air logistics specialist. From there, my path was set in international logistics and foreign trade.
Later, I worked for an oil company as the logistics manager for Latin America, and after that, I spent some time working for the United Nations, specifically with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), managing logistics and airport processes for vulnerable populations. And now, here I am!
Sustainable Harvest: What a journey and what a change! How did you end up at Sustainable Harvest, and what would you like to implement in the logistics department?
Angie: I was drawn to the focus on sustainability, creating social impact, and building a sustainable supply chain.
The main changes I’d like to achieve are cost savings and higher customer satisfaction through strategic improvement plans for all logistics and shipping processes. Additionally, I’d like to guide the logistics team, standardize processes, and establish more specific metrics.
Sustainable Harvest: If you had to explain to a client why they should work with us from your perspective and role, what would you say?
Angie: First and foremost, I’d tell them that we work with highly reliable suppliers—not just shipping lines but also freight forwarders and customs agents. We adapt to our clients’ needs and aim to provide personalized service, through efficiency, transparency and tailored solutions.
One of the initiatives I’m looking to implement is monitoring the specific information needs of each client so they receive constant updates from our traffic team. This will give them greater confidence that their shipments are well-managed and that they’ll always have timely information—not just about their shipments but also about global events like port congestion, strikes, or other issues at origin or destination — and support more timely and informed decision-making regarding costs and lead times.
Sustainable Harvest: Our clients will surely appreciate having more information from the team! And tell us, what excites you about working in the coffee industry?
Angie: Definitely, the social impact and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. I feel like I can apply what I’ve learned in my previous roles here.
And learning about coffee! This is my first time working in this industry, and it’s a completely new world for me!
Sustainable Harvest: What do you love most about your job and the world of logistics? And how do you navigate the constant challenges?
Angie: I love being involved in the entire global supply chain, the continuous challenges that keep us on our toes and the dynamic environment that drives me to stay up with the latest trends and keep learning. I also love being able to help our clients stay up to date with industry trends, technology resources, and carriers’ alliances; and give them reassurance and support.
As for the challenges, I aim to keep clients informed and provide them with peace of mind. Whether it’s through monthly or quarterly reports, I want to regularly communicate the main challenges that global trade is facing so they have a clear picture. I also strive to set realistic expectations based on current global conditions since we can’t promise things that are beyond our control.
Communication is essential to me because it allows us to show that we’re constantly working on providing customer satisfaction and building trust with realistic, data-driven expectations.
.png "SH Logo")
