WOMEN IN COFFEE: A STORY FROM LACÀPH

As part of the journey to elevate Vietnamese coffee, Ms Nguyen Thảo Oanh plays a crucial role at Lacàph, bringing a fresh perspective on the value and potential of Vietnam’s coffee industry.  

IWCA Vietnam: Hi Ms Oanh, could you introduce yourself and your role at Lacàph?  

Ms. Oanh: Hello IWCA Vietnam, I’m Oanh, currently overseeing production and supply chain management at Lacàph while also being involved in communications and brand building. My work isn’t just about managing production at the roastery and ensuring an efficient supply chain but also about collaborating closely with the marketing team to develop the brand and bring Vietnam’s coffee story closer to both local and international customers.  

IWCA Vietnam: What led you to work in the coffee industry?  

Ms. Oanh: I was born and raised in Lâm Đồng, a region deeply connected with coffee, but I actually didn’t start my career in this industry. My journey into coffee began when I met Timen, the founder of Lacàph. Over time, I naturally became more engaged in this field and felt a growing desire to contribute to the development of Vietnamese coffee.  

IWCA Vietnam: Could you share a memorable experience or story from your time at Lacàph?  

Ms. Oanh: Working at Lacàph has given me the opportunity to receive in-depth training and expand my knowledge about coffee – from distinguishing different coffee varieties to understanding the nuances of flavor profiles. More importantly, I’ve come to realize why, despite being one of the world’s largest coffee producers, Vietnam’s coffee exports don’t hold high value. This shift in perspective has changed not only how I see coffee but also how I think about building sustainable value for the industry.  

IWCA Vietnam: As a woman in the coffee industry, what do you see as the opportunities and challenges for women in this field?  

Ms. Oanh: The coffee industry has traditionally been linked to agriculture and production, areas once considered male-dominated. However, more and more women are now taking part in every aspect of the industry, from farming and processing to business and brand development.  

The biggest opportunity is that women bring fresh perspectives, meticulousness, and creativity in how they approach products and markets. Women also excel at connecting, storytelling, and brand building – all of which are crucial in today’s coffee industry.  

That said, challenges remain, especially in technical roles or supply chain operations. But I believe that with knowledge and proactiveness, women can absolutely affirm their role and make significant contributions to the coffee industry.  

IWCA Vietnam: In your opinion, how is IWCA Vietnam supporting the development of women in the coffee industry?  

Ms. Oanh: IWCA Vietnam is creating an essential platform to connect, support, and enhance the role of women in coffee. The organization not only offers training programs and skill-building initiatives but also promotes workplace safety and provides women with greater access to the coffee value chain, from production and processing to business.  

Most importantly, IWCA builds a community where women in the industry can share experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. This not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the sustainability and diversity of Vietnam’s coffee sector.  

IWCA Vietnam: Can you share a story or memory with IWCA Vietnam?  

Ms. Oanh: My trip to Sơn La in October 2024 was an unforgettable experience. Witnessing the Arabica coffee farms firsthand and meeting local farmers gave me a deeper understanding of the region’s coffee journey.  

What left the biggest impression on me was the story of the Thai ethnic women working in coffee. In the past, they mainly followed traditional farming methods, but over time, they have shifted their mindset, learned about economic management, saved money, and reinvested to improve product quality. Seeing their confidence and initiative in managing their work and lives made me realize that coffee isn’t just an economic commodity—it’s a tool for change, opening new opportunities for women in highland regions.  

This trip not only deepened my understanding of coffee origins but also strongly reinforced my belief in the power of women in the coffee industry.  

IWCA Vietnam: Looking ahead, what potential collaborations do you see between IWCA Vietnam and Lacàph to further develop the coffee industry?  

Ms. Oanh: Lacàph is proud to be a member of IWCA Vietnam, and I believe we can work together on many meaningful initiatives in the future. One promising direction is supporting women-led coffee-growing communities by helping them develop their products, connect with markets, and increase the economic value of coffee produced by women.  

IWCA Vietnam: Thank you, Oanh, for sharing your insights on women and the coffee industry.  

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Lacàph is proud to be a member of IWCA Vietnam, working together to empower women in Vietnam’s coffee industry.