If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you know that the journey to a perfect cup of coffee begins long before the water hits the grounds. It starts with the beans. Keeping your coffee beans fresh is essential to enjoying that rich, full-bodied flavour every morning. But how do you ensure that your beans stay as fresh as possible? Welcome to the ultimate guide to coffee storage, where we’ll explore the best practices to keep your beans fresh for longer.

Coffee beans begin to lose their flavour soon after you open the packet when they become exposed to oxygen, light, moisture, and heat. This process, known as oxidation, causes the beans to become stale and lose their aromatic oils, resulting in a flat and lifeless cup of coffee. The key to maintaining freshness is to minimise these factors. Coffee beans should be kept in a cool, dry place, and away from direct sunlight.

1. Choose the Right Container

Airtight Containers

The first step in preserving your coffee’s freshness is to store your beans in an airtight container. Oxygen and moisture are the enemies of fresh coffee, so it’s crucial to limit its exposure to both. Look for containers with a vacuum seal or one-way valves that allow CO2 to escape without letting oxygen in.

Opaque Containers

Light can also degrade coffee beans by breaking down their delicate oils. To protect your beans from light exposure, choose an opaque container or store them in a dark place.

2. Avoid the fridge!

Aim to store your beans at room temperature, in a pantry or cupboard away from any sources of moisture or heat. While it might be tempting to store coffee beans in the fridge, this will do more harm than good. The constant temperature changes and high moisture levels cause condensation, leading to the coffee becoming very stale and a total loss of flavour. Instead, stick to storing your beans at room temperature.

3. Buy in Small Batches

One of the best ways to ensure your coffee stays fresh is to buy it in small batches. This way, you’re always consuming coffee at its peak freshness. Aim to buy enough coffee to last you one to two weeks. Frequent purchases might seem inconvenient, but the improved flavour will be worth it. At Indigo Valley we offer a coffee subscription which means you don’t have to worry about when your next batch of coffee is coming.

Top Tip – When you get a new batch of beans, resist the urge to mix them with the remnants of your old batch. Mixing old and new beans can compromise the flavour of your coffee. Use up the old batch first or store them separately to ensure the best taste.

Coffee beans stay fresh longer than ground coffee. Whole beans retain their aromatic oils and flavours better than pre-ground coffee. To get the most out of your beans, grind them just before brewing. Investing in a good-quality burr grinder can make a significant difference in your coffee’s taste and aroma.

Storing your coffee beans correctly can make a huge difference in the quality of your morning brew. The journey to a perfect cup starts with how you treat your beans from the moment they leave the roaster to when they reach your cup. So take a little extra care in storing your coffee, and savour the rich, aromatic flavours that come from freshly preserved beans.

Happy brewing!

What is Fairtrade Coffee?

Labelling coffee as Fairtrade means a commitment to better standards for coffee producers, their communities, and the environment. At its core, Fairtrade certification ensures that coffee co-operatives and farmers receive fair prices for their products, which covers not only the cost of production but also supports fair wages and improved working practices. This means that by choosing Fairtrade coffee, you’re directly contributing to the welfare of farmers and their families.

Why Does Fairtrade Coffee Matter?

1. Empowering Farmers and Communities

Fairtrade standards are designed to empower farmers by giving them a better deal. This leads to more stable incomes and can lift communities out of poverty. Farmers are also given premiums that can be invested back into their communities, funding education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.

2. Ethical Labour Practices

Unfortunately, the coffee industry has historically been plagued by issues such as child labour and unsafe working conditions. Fairtrade certification requires adherence to strict labour standards, ensuring that workers have safe environments, fair wages, and the right to organise. Longterm, Fairtrade has helped to lift industry working standards worldwide.

3. Environmental Sustainability

Coffee farming can have significant environmental impacts, from deforestation to pesticide use. Fairtrade and other ethical organisations like Rainforest Alliance promote sustainable agricultural practices. This includes protecting water resources, conserving biodiversity, and reducing the use of harmful agrochemicals. By supporting these practices, we help ensure that coffee production can continue for future generations without depleting natural resources.

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Choose Fairtrade Certified Products

The most direct way to support Fairtrade coffee is to purchase products that carry the Fairtrade certification. Look for the Fairtrade logo when buying coffee beans, grounds, or even brewed coffee from your local café.

2. Support Ethical Brands

Brands like Indigo Valley are dedicated to sourcing only from certified Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance coffee growing farms and communities. By supporting companies like ours, you’re making an intentional choice to promote ethical practices and transparency within the coffee industry.

3. Spread the Word

Raise awareness about the importance of Fairtrade coffee within your community. Share information with friends and family, and encourage them to make ethical choices too. If you run a business, consider offering Fairtrade coffee to your employees or customers.

4. Engage with the Supply Chain

As a café owner or facilities manager, you have the power to influence the supply chain by choosing to source coffee from ethical suppliers. Partner with us to show that you are committed to transparency and sustainability. At Indigo Valley, we ensure that every step of our coffee’s journey is traceable and transparent, so you can feel confident in your supply chain.

Our mission is to get all coffee drinkers sipping better, higher quality coffee that thrives within a transparent and ethical supply chain. To protect the future of coffee for all, we must be acutely aware of what we’re purchasing, sourcing, buying, and consuming. Whether you’re a café owner, a facilities manager, or simply searching for an ethical subscription, joining Indigo Valley means taking a small yet impactful step towards sustainability that benefits both people and the planet. 

So next time you reach for a cup of coffee, think about its journey from farm to cup. Choose Fairtrade, support sustainability, and join Indigo Valley in making every sip count.

Coffee is more than just a beloved morning ritual. For many, it’s a comfort, and a moment of peace. But once you’ve brewed your perfect cup, what do you do with the used coffee grounds? If you’re like most people, they probably end up in the bin. However, these grounds have numerous eco-friendly uses that can benefit your home, garden, and even your beauty routine. Let’s explore some innovative ways to repurpose coffee grounds and reduce waste.

Gardening Gold

1. Compost Enhancer

Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them an excellent addition to your compost pile. They help accelerate the decomposition process and add essential nutrients to the compost, which in turn nourishes your plants. Simply sprinkle used grounds into your compost bin, mixing them in with other organic materials.

2. Fertiliser Boost

Directly applying coffee grounds to your garden can give your plants a nutrient boost. They are especially beneficial for acid-loving plants like roses, azaleas, and blueberries. Spread a thin layer of coffee grounds around the base of your plants and gently mix them into the soil.

3. Natural Pest Repellent

Certain pests, like slugs, snails, and ants, dislike the texture and smell of coffee grounds. Create a barrier around your garden or specific plants to keep these unwanted visitors at bay. The grounds also attract beneficial insects like earthworms, which help aerate the soil.

Household Helpers

1. Odour Neutraliser

Coffee grounds are fantastic at absorbing odours. Place a bowl of dried coffee grounds in your refrigerator or freezer to eliminate lingering smells. You can also use them to neutralise odours in shoes, closets, or even your car.

2. Cleaning Scrub

The gritty texture of coffee grounds makes them an effective natural scrub for cleaning pots, pans, and even countertops. Mix the grounds with a bit of water or coconut oil to create a paste, then scrub away. This eco-friendly cleaner is tough on grime but gentle on surfaces.

Beauty and Personal Care

1. Exfoliating Scrub

Coffee grounds make an excellent natural exfoliant. Mix them with coconut oil, honey, or your favourite essential oil to create a DIY body scrub. The grounds help to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and rejuvenated.

2. Hair Treatment

For those with dark hair, coffee grounds can add shine and enhance colour. After shampooing, massage a handful of coffee grounds into your scalp and hair, then rinse thoroughly. The grounds help to exfoliate the scalp and remove product buildup.

3. Cellulite Reduction

Coffee is a common ingredient in many cellulite treatments due to its caffeine content, which can temporarily tighten skin and improve circulation. Create a paste with coffee grounds and coconut oil, then massage it into areas with cellulite for a natural treatment.

Getting Crafty

1. Natural Dye

Coffee grounds can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, paper, and even Easter eggs. Boil the grounds in water to create a dye bath, then soak your materials in the solution for a rich, earthy colour.

2. Homemade Candles

Add a unique touch to homemade candles by incorporating coffee grounds. The grounds not only add a decorative element but also release a subtle coffee aroma when the candle is lit. Mix the grounds into your candle wax or layer them for a textured look.

3. Air Fresheners

Create simple, homemade air fresheners by filling small sachets with dried coffee grounds and a few drops of essential oil. Place these sachets in drawers, gym bags, or cars for a pleasant and natural scent.

Repurposing coffee grounds is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and make your daily coffee habit more sustainable. From enriching your garden to enhancing your beauty routine, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you brew a cup of coffee, think twice before tossing those grounds – they have a lot more to offer than you might think!

Have you ever stopped to consider the incredible journey your coffee beans have taken in order to end up in your morning coffee? From the luscious coffee farms to the brew in your cup, each step in the process tells a tale of dedication, innovation, and ethical considerations. Let’s explore the fascinating journey Indigo Coffee takes to become a sustainable and ethical cup of joe. 

The Roots: Cultivating Coffee Cherries

Coffee is often grown in rural communities within the tropical regions around the world. The best coffees are grown slowly at high altitude where the lower temperatures, soil and shade aid the coffee bushes to develop juicy ripe cherries. 100% off the coffees we roast are from Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance producers, which not only ensures farmers are paid fairly for their crops, but also that planet friendly agricultural methods are used. We are committed to supporting coffee growers through these schemes, empowering farmers and communities to thrive.

The Harvest: From Cherry to Bean

Once picked from the bushes, the coffee cherries undergo meticulous processing to remove the green coffee beans within. This transformation can involve a combination of fermentation, washing, drying, and milling. All these processes require extra attention to detail and respect for the environment. Sustainability is a key priority as we endeavour to minimise waste and conserve all natural resources.

The Roastery: Crafting the Perfect Roast

When the green beans reach the roastery, they start their transformation into aromatic, flavourful coffee. Throughout the roasting process, we ensure that we use the most energy-efficient roasting techniques to minimise carbon emissions without compromising on quality or flavour. We actively capture over 96% of our roasting emissions from every reaching the atmosphere.

Your Morning Cup of Coffee

Finally, the journey culminates in the much-anticipated moment – savouring that first sip of ethically sourced, sustainably produced coffee. By choosing coffee that values fair trade, environmental conservation, and community welfare, each sip becomes a small yet significant act of support for a better world.

Every step of this bean to cup journey – from cultivating coffee cherries to crafting the perfect roast – is carefully considered and holds the potential to make a positive impact on the world. As consumers, we hold the power to demand transparency, fairness, and sustainability in the coffee industry. So, the next time you indulge in your favourite brew, remember the journey it made and savour not just the flavour but the values it embodies.

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee at home can be both a pleasure and a challenge. We are often struck with adverts for new and intricate brewing methods which can make us feel overwhelmed. However, it doesn’t need to be that complicated!

By bringing it back to basics and mastering a few fundamental steps, anyone can achieve a truly satisfying cup of coffee. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five essential steps to help you craft that perfect cup in the comfort of your own home.

1. Start with Fresh, High-Quality Coffee Beans:

It begins with selecting the right beans. Opt for freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans. Whole beans are preferable as they retain their freshness and flavour for longer periods compared to pre-ground coffee. Experiment with different varieties, such as single-origin or blends, to discover your favourite flavour profiles.

2. Grind Your Beans Just Before Brewing:

To unlock the full potential of your coffee beans, invest in a quality burr grinder. Grinding your beans just before brewing ensures maximum freshness and flavour retention. Adjust the grind size based on your chosen brewing method, whether it’s a fine grind for espresso or a coarser grind for French press. Consistency in grind size is key to achieving uniform extraction and a balanced cup of coffee.

Tip: for home brewing, investing in a high quality hand grinder will provide much tastier coffee than opting for a basic electric grinder for an equivalent price.

3. Use Proper Water-to-Coffee Ratio:

To achieve the perfect balance of flavour and strength in your coffee, pay careful attention to the water-to-coffee ratio. A general guideline for filter coffee is to use a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water, and for espresso use a 1:2 ratio. However, feel free to adjust this ratio according to your personal taste preferences. Keep in mind that using too little coffee can result in a weak brew, while using too much can lead to bitterness. 

Tip: use filtered water or bottled water as hard water from your tap can neutralise the flavours in coffee, especially with lighter roasts.

4. Control Water Temperature and Brewing Time:

Water temperature and brewing time are critical factors that influence the flavour extraction process. Aim to heat your water to between 90°C to 96°C for optimal extraction. Experiment with different brewing methods, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso, and adjust the brewing time and temperature accordingly. Remember that consistency is key to achieving the desired flavour profile with each brew. 

Tip: use lower temperatures for darker roast coffees to avoid bitterness, use higher temperatures for lighter roast coffees for a better extraction.

5. Practice Consistency and Experimentation:

Consistency is essential for mastering the art of homebrewing. Keep track of variables such as grind size, water temperature, and brewing time to replicate your favourite cups of coffee. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new brewing techniques, beans, and ratios to discover unique flavour profiles. Make notes of what works and what doesn’t. With practice and patience, you’ll refine your brewing skills in no time.

Tip: download a brewing app such as Filtru for tracking your brewing to track and log your brews.

We don’t think that brewing the perfect cup of coffee at home is just about following a strict recipe, it’s about experimentation and enjoyment. By returning to basics and mastering these fundamental steps, you can enjoy all the delicious coffee possibilities right in your own kitchen. So, grab your favourite mug and get brewing! 

In an era where climate change demands urgent action, it’s common to focus on personal contributions like effective recycling or choosing electric cars. Yet, have you considered the environmental impact of enjoying your daily cup of coffee?

With over 2 billion cups consumed globally each day, the $90 billion coffee industry plays a significant role in our lives. Many suppliers now brand their coffee as sustainable, emphasising their commitment to doing good. But what does this entail, and are these processes transparent?

At Indigo Valley Coffee we aim to inspire coffee drinkers to choose better, higher-quality coffee that comes from a transparent and ethical supply chain. It’s about enjoying your brew while making a positive impact on the environment.

Sustainability Challenges in the Booming Coffee Industry

As the coffee industry continues its impressive growth worldwide, now valued over a staggering $90 billion, it’s tempting to assume that expansion brings only positive outcomes. However, the rapid surge in businesses vying for a share of this lucrative market has led to shortcuts that can compromise the very essence of that delightful cup of coffee. Sadly, this growth can come at the expense of forests, biodiversity, and the well-being of coffee farmers.

A striking 25 million smallholder farmers, responsible for 80% of the world’s coffee production, and a workforce of over 125 million people make the coffee industry a crucial player in the global economy.

Yet, amid these statistics lies an inconvenient truth: some industry processes have detrimental effects on our environment. As we savour our daily cup, it’s essential to acknowledge and address the sustainability challenges embedded in the coffee supply chain.

How do we navigate these challenges?

Delving into the world of coffee production reveals a significant environmental toll, particularly during the growth and processing of coffee beans. The surge in global demand has influenced cultivation methods, resulting in far-reaching implications for sustainability.

Traditionally, coffee was grown under a shaded canopy of trees, creating a vital habitat for various animals and insects. However, the trend toward sun-cultivated coffee, a faster but less environmentally friendly process aligned with the industry’s rapid growth, has led to reduced shade. This reduction necessitates the use of fertilisers, with severe consequences for biodiversity.

Amidst the growing popularity of high street coffee outlets, even in a nation traditionally known for its love of tea, the question arises: Can coffee produced in eco-friendly methods make a difference? The journey towards sustainability must become a priority across the entire coffee production process from farm to cup.

Currently, many major coffee brands operate with complex and opaque supply chains, making it challenging to comprehend the full scope of their impact. Genuine ethical and green claims require transparency throughout the entire supply chain to hold true authenticity. As coffee enthusiasts, it’s essential to recognise the environmental stakes and advocate for a more sustainable coffee culture.

The journey from bean to cup

Before the coffee hits your cup, those dark, delicious coffee beans of joy go on quite a journey. After the red cherries are picked, they are processed by milling, washing and drying the cherries to extract the inner green beans. Once the green beans reach the roastery, they are transformed into the brown beans that are ground and brewed into the beloved cup of coffee we all cherish.

From ensuring fair wages for farmers to collaborating on planet-friendly growing practices and prioritising sustainability in the roasting methods, every step of the supply chain warrants careful scrutiny to genuinely claim ethical credentials. As coffee enthusiasts, understanding this journey allows us to appreciate not only the rich taste but also the ethical considerations embedded in each cup we enjoy.

Beyond the Brew: Unveiling the Environmental Impact of Coffee Roasting

Every step along the coffee supply chain presents its own environmental challenges, and the roasting process is no exception. Roasting coffee releases particulate matter and toxic compounds that can significantly impact air quality, prompting legal requirements for emissions controls and air permits for roasters of a certain size. Additionally, roasting coffee beans demands a substantial amount of electricity, contributing to carbon emissions.

Roasting 1 kilogram of beans can produce up to 2.9 kilograms of CO2e.

At Indigo Valley Coffee, we are proud to offer authentically carbon-neutral, award-winning coffee. Our commitment goes beyond offsetting emissions – we actively reduce and capture emissions through our unique air-roasting process. Our end-to-end process is externally audited and verified in collaboration with Carbon Neutral Britain.

Achieving carbon-neutral coffee roasting for six years, and operating as a carbon-negative business, we still acknowledge there’s more to be done. With aspirations towards achieving even greater sustainable practices in our business, we invite you to join us in making your daily dose of coffee not only enjoyable for you but also for the planet.

An ethical partner every step of the way

To protect the future of coffee for all, we must be aware of what we’re purchasing, sourcing, buying and consuming. Whether you’re a café owner, a facilities manager or simply searching for an ethical subscription gift, join Indigo Valley Coffee and take a small step towards sustainability that will benefit people and the planet.

We’ve even got a handy carbon calculator to help you find out the estimated impact of your current daily coffee consumption.

For more information on how Indigo Valley Coffee can help you, call us on 0333 222 4020 or email us at office@indigovalley.co.uk

Overcoming extreme poverty

We’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the coffee-growing communities worldwide. Coffee is often cultivated in remote tropical regions which poses unique challenges to these communities. That’s why we’re proud to support Compassion’s intervention projects to empower children and families in regions grappling with extreme poverty.

Since 1993, Compassion has been a driving force in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, transforming countless lives and futures. Our recent support has fuelled Compassion’s efforts, empowering 863 family caregivers from their child development centres to break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient.

In our ongoing commitment to transparency, we’ve included additional testimonies in this update, showcasing the tangible impact that our coffee sales have had on supporting Compassion’s initiatives.

THE PROBLEM

CHILDREN ARE BORN INTO POVERTY

In regions marked by severe poverty, parents and caregivers often find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle of deprivation. The lack of resources and financial constraints leave them unable to afford education or kick-start their own businesses. Trapped in this cycle, children growing up in poverty face insurmountable challenges, perpetuating a cycle of day-to-day deprivation with no apparent means of escape.

THE INTERVENTION

INCOME GENERATION TRAINING

Empowering caregivers with startup funds and training to initiate their own small businesses goes beyond financial assistance; it lays the foundation for a sustainable income source benefiting both them and their families. This initiative not only equips individuals with practical skills but also fosters empowerment, paving the way for lasting success.

THE PURPOSE

BREAKING THE POVERTY CYCLE

Once families engage in Compassion’s programs and establish a successful business, the generated income becomes a powerful resource. Their income can be reinvested into their children’s education and expanding their enterprise. This not only ensures a stable source of income but also empowers parents to save and adequately meet their family’s needs, ultimately breaking the cycle of extreme poverty.

THE OUTCOME

EMPOWERING FAMILIES

In November 2020, conflict erupted in northern regions of Ethiopia, casting a shadow of instability across the country. Through our coffee sales, we’ve been able to empower families, fostering self-sufficiency. This, in turn, enables children to prioritise their education, paving the way for a future where they can either run their own businesses or secure employment, offering a ray of hope during these challenging times.

As the world wakes up to climate change and the critical need for action, it’s easy to believe that we’re doing our bit by recycling effectively or purchasing the latest electric car, but have you ever thought about how your choice of coffee impacts the climate?

With over 2 billion cups of coffee consumed worldwide every day, and with a value of almost $90 billion, the global coffee industry is here to stay for a long time.

Increasing numbers of suppliers are badging their coffee as sustainable or any other word synonymous with “doing good” but what does any of this mean and are they being totally transparent with the processes underpinning that final delicious cup of coffee?

At Indigo Valley Coffee, our mission is to get all coffee drinkers, old and new, drinking better, higher quality coffee that benefits from a transparent and ethical supply chain.

A growing coffee industry must be good, right?

With this massive growth and more businesses vying for a piece of the lucrative $90 billion value, the industry has seen a flurry of shortcuts and consequently that delicious cup of coffee nowadays can come at the expense of forests, biodiversity and farmers’ welfare.

A vast 25 million smallholder farmers produce 80% of the world’s coffee and the industry provides employment for over 125 million people so the industry is of critical value for huge volumes of people.

Not only that, but some of the processes utilised are incredibly damaging for our environment.

So, what does coffee production mean for the planet?

One of the biggest sources of environmental damage happens during the growing and production of the beans themselves. The global increase in demand has affected growing methods which, in turn, has had consequences on sustainability.

Coffee grown by traditional means has been cultivated under a shaded canopy of trees, which create a valuable habitat for animals and insects. However, increases in sun-cultivated coffee, which is a faster process more appealing to the demands of a rapidly growing industry, equates to less shade. Less shade means a need for the use of fertilisers which has had a severe consequence on biodiversity.

But can organic coffees make a difference and how do we fit into this landscape as a nation of tea drinkers? If the increase in the number of high street coffee outlets is anything to go by, it’s clear that we have embraced the joy of coffee. There is still a huge amount left to do to ensure sustainability shoots to the top of the agenda and covers the end-to-end process.

As it stands, many of the big coffee brands have complex supply chains, making it near impossible to understand what’s going on end to end through their supply chain – therefore any ethical and green claims are unlikely to have genuine substance. To claim authentically ethical standards, all aspects of the supply chain must be transparent.

The journey from bean to cup

Before the coffee hits your cup, those dark, delicious coffee beans of joy have quite a journey. From bushes plush with red cherries, green pods are extracted from the cherries, which are then fermented, dried, and milled before being sent to a roastery and turned into the cup of coffee we all know and love.

From paying farmers a fair wage to working with them to support a planet-friendly growing process to prioritising sustainability in the roasting methods, all aspects of the supply chain must be assessed to claim true ethical credentials.

The environmental impact of coffee roasting

There are issues along every part of the supply chain and another process that can cause environmental damage is the roasting process. Roasting coffee can have a severe impact on air quality. Particulate matter and some toxic compounds can be released during the roasting process. In fact, emissions controls and air permits are legally required for roasters of a certain size to help control the effects of these air pollutants. Roasting coffee beans also requires a lot of electricity – roasting 1 kilogram of beans can produce 2.9 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

At Indigo Valley Coffee, we’re proud to offer authentically carbon neutral award-winning coffee. Not only do we actively reduce, capture and offset our coffee roasting emissions through our unique air roasting process, our end-to-end process is externally audited and verified in partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain. From working with farmers direct to ensure they are fairly compensated to hand-picking blends for quality to running our warehouses on green power generation, we have meticulously reviewed every step in our process to ensure our ethical credentials are the best.

We have been roasting premium coffee beans and operating as carbon neutral for 5 years and we know that there is more we can do, and we are moving towards an even more ambitious carbon negative status. Therefore, if sustainability is important to you too, partner with us and ensure your daily dose of coffee is as enjoyable to you as it is to the planet.

An ethical partner every step of the way

To protect the future of coffee for all, we must be aware of what we’re purchasing, sourcing, buying and consuming. Whether you’re a café owner, a facilities manager or simply searching for an ethical subscription gift, join Indigo Valley Coffee and take a small step towards sustainability that will benefit people and the planet.

We’ve even got a handy carbon calculator to help you find out the estimated impact of your current daily coffee consumption.

For more information on how Indigo Valley Coffee can help you, call us on 0333 222 4020 or email us at office@indigovalley.co.uk

We want to do all we can to support the communities of coffee-growing parts of the world. As coffee is grown in tropical regions, often in remote rural areas, making a positive impact to those who need it can be hard to guarantee. That’s why one of the ways we give back is by supporting Compassion’s intervention projects.

Compassion works to serve children in regions of extreme poverty as well as their families and wider communities. Compassion have been serving communities in Ethiopia, the worlds oldest coffee producing country, since 1993 which have protected thousands of lives and futures across the country.

Our most recent support has continued to enable Compassion to train and empower 863 family caregivers from their child development centres with the means to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty.

Since our last update about Compassion’s work, we have added some additional testimonies to this post to consolidate the examples of the work we have support through sales of our coffees.

Top image: mother to Compassion-supported child, Tsion, is selling coffee and fast-food in her community. She obtained a loan of 3,700 ETB (£59) from the Self-Help Group in March 2021 and has been able to generate a monthly profit of 1,500 ETB (£24). Like many others, she plans to expand her business as trade continues.

THE PROBLEM

CHILDREN ARE BORN INTO POVERTY

In regions of extreme poverty, parents and caregivers are often trapped in a cycle of poverty because they haven’t been able to afford education or the resources to start a business for themselves. As children grow up in poverty, the cycle continues as there are no means to overcome day to day deprivation.

THE INTERVENTION

INCOME GENERATION TRAINING

Providing children’s caregivers with start-up funds and training to start their own small businesses helps develop a sustainable source of income for themselves and their families. It equips and empowers individuals with skills to succeed.

THE PURPOSE

BREAKING THE POVERTY CYCLE

Once families taking part in Compassion’s programmes have a profitable business, income can be invested back into their children’s education and into growing their business further. With a stable source of income, parents can begin to save and provide for the needs of their family, breaking the cycle of living in extreme poverty.

THE OUTCOME

EMPOWERING FAMILIES

In November 2020, conflict broke out in northern regions of Ethiopia which has caused instability throughout the country. Our coffee sales have enabled families to become self-sufficient which in turn has enabled their children to focus on their education and, in the future, run their own business or find employment during this troubled time.