What the Coffee Project Is All About
This coffee project is all about a carefully curated selection of exceptional quality, highly traceable, and responsibly sourced coffees. The focus is on quality, provenance, and relationships, selecting coffees that truly stand out from a trusted network of producers and importers. It’s not just about buying coffee; it’s about understanding the people behind it. Visiting producers year after year helps build stronger partnerships and makes for more informed buying decisions. This hands-on approach ensures the coffees chosen are real exemplars of their type.
Main Benefits of the Coffee Sourcing Programme
Here’s what makes this project stand out:
- Exceptional quality coffees sourced from trusted producers and importers
- Year-on-year visits to producers to understand their challenges and conditions
- Exclusive opportunities like running an agricultural experiment on a dedicated plot at Daterra in Brazil
- Collaborations on bespoke fermentation and processing protocols with partners at El Fénix in Colombia
- Use of Loring roasters, known for energy efficiency and producing clean, expressive coffee flavors
- First UK roaster to use fully recyclable packaging made mainly from post-consumer recycled plastic
- 2% of coffee sales revenue donated to charitable, environmental, and community causes
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
The commitment to quality doesn’t stop at sourcing. All coffees are roasted on Loring roasters, which are among the most energy-efficient and clean-burning machines out there. This means not only better coffee but a smaller carbon footprint too. Plus, the packaging is fully recyclable and made mostly from recycled plastic — a first in the UK roasting scene. It’s a clear nod to sustainability, showing that great coffee and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Building Strong Relationships with Producers
Visiting producers regularly isn’t just a formality; it’s a vital part of the project’s ethos. By seeing firsthand the conditions producers work in and the challenges they face, the project builds genuine partnerships. This approach has led to exciting ventures, like managing a unique agricultural experiment in Brazil and working closely with Colombian partners on fermentation techniques. It’s about collaboration, trust, and pushing the boundaries of what specialty coffee can be.
Supporting Communities and Causes
Giving back is baked into the project’s DNA. Two percent of revenue from coffee sales goes to a mix of charitable, environmental, and community initiatives. This includes rewilding projects nearby, support for Growing Well — a local organic farm and mental health charity — and donations to Raw Material, a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on improving the lives and working conditions of coffee producers. It’s a way to make a real difference beyond the cup.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Improving livelihoods of coffee producers
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting sustainable agriculture practices
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fair trade and ethical sourcing
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Eco-friendly roasting and packaging
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing carbon footprint through energy-efficient roasting
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Funding rewilding and environmental projects
Why This Coffee Project Stands Out
In a world flooded with coffee options, this project shines because it’s not just about the beans — it’s about the story behind them. From the farm to the roastery, every step is handled with care, respect, and a genuine desire to do better. The blend of quality, sustainability, and community impact creates a coffee experience that’s rich in flavor and meaning. So, whether it’s the specialty roasters or the conscious consumer, this project offers something truly special — coffee that tastes good and does good.
