Cafe Imports: Special Feature

Welcome to our next special feature, where we buy direct from a producer and tell their story. This drop we've bought two excellent coffees from the COOPAC Cooperative in Rwanda through Cafe Imports.

"Our mission is to bring to the global market the highest-quality green coffees in the world by sourcing, developing, and innovating at origin while providing sustainable economic development for small-holder farmers with price premiums, traceability, and long-term partnerships. To consistently exceed customers’ expectations of the specialty-coffee buying experience with exemplary service [And] to spread our passion for great coffee and environmental stewardship through accessible education and example from the farm to the roaster, retailer, and ultimately to the cup. 

Our values are to be engaged and foster creativity in a dynamic industry through a focus on exploring every facet of coffee. To be honest, ethical, and respectful, and remain teachable in the ever-changing world of coffee. Increase the quality of life for those involved—from the tree to the cup—through the commerce of coffee. Decrease our negative impact on the earth through responsible and proactive business practices that emphasise environmental sustainability. Share our passion for great coffee through education and example."

About the coffees:

COOPAC was established in April of 2001 with 1100 members aiming to regenerate the coffee sector in the Gisenyi region of Lake Kivu. The initial objectives was to take advantage of the excellent natural resources in our region and focus on producing the highest quality coffee for the gourmet market so as to gain higher returns for our collective efforts thereby increase the well being of all our members. COOPAC coffee prices have been steadily climbing in recognition of the quality improvements in turn the well being of its members has drastically improved through FairTrade initiatives that guarantee the farmers get their fair share. COOPAC went on to construct the Nyamwenda washing station in 2003 with partial grant, partial credit. Today, some 50 washing stations dot the northern lake landscape and CCOPAC has achieved FLO certification.