Peru Cafe Femenino

"Out of Peru comes a story of strength, unity and hope.  A new coffee, Cafe Femenino, has evolved.  It is changing the role of women in remote, rural coffee communities."  

It is estimated that 70% of women in rural Peru are subject to abuse or abandonment.  The co-operative founded in 2004 aims to support and educate its women members.   

We are told that the emphasis on quality has caused embarrassment to the men of Peru and they have started working to improve their product too.  A real win-win!  

It is a medium strength mild-sweet flavoured coffee suitable for any brewing process.  Makes a great espresso.  

www.cafefemenino.com We also have some electronic information we can send to you if you want it.  

(Monday 16th January 2012) 

Dominican Republic AA Don Jimenez Estate, Gold Quality

A "Baby-sized" 10kg sack of this spectacular coffee arrived in mid-December.  Sebastian roasted 2kg on Thursday 23rd and it was so good we shared it out and took it all home for Christmas.  But don't worry, we'll roast some more soon.  

The grower's cupping description says:- "Le nez , gourmand et flatteur, developpe des notes de cassis, de framboise et d'epices douces.  En bouche, l'attaque est vive, le milieu onctueux et le final tout en fraicheur accompagnent une incroyable persistence aromatique.  C'est un veritable cafe de terroir, intense, complet et aromatique."  

Not translated because I never really understand these notes even in English!  But it is VERY good coffee. 

(Tuesday 3rd January, updated Monday 16th January 2012) 

Doi Chaang Coffee from Northern Thailand "Beyond Fair Trade": A Unique Partnership

This is the first Thai coffee we have ever sold and it is a revelation.  Full of rich flavour and an immediate favourite.  

Pictured here is our London shipper, Simon Wakefield, with Wicha who brokered the relationship between Thai tribesmen and the Canadian coffee shippers.  

Doi Chaang coffee farmers enjoy a unique position in an equal partnership.

First, the farmers are paid in excess of the price recommended by the Fair Trade Organization for their green beans by Canadian, Doi Chaang Coffee Company. They retain 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their beans.

Second, in recognition of their contribution and to improve the Thai farmers' living standards, the Canadian Partners have "gifted" the Thai farmers a 50% registered ownership in the Company.

Only those superior beans will be sold under the name Doi Chaang Coffee Company, while the other 35% of production, comprising of various sized and broken beans, will be sold directly by the Thai farmers, for their sole benefit, to international coffee buyers. 

As a result, the farmers are committed to growing excellent quality coffee.  

There are good videos on Youtube about Doi Chaang. www.youtube.com/user/doichaangcoffee1

The one entitled "The Struggle for Human Dignity" is a good starting point.  

(December 2011)