Tasting Gift Box (6 Drip Bags)

Coffee that Transforms Land: from illegal crops to sustainability

In the Nariño valley of southern Colombia, land once used for illicit crops has been transformed into a sanctuary of sustainable agriculture. This change began with the quiet dedication of Jesuit priest Padre Joe.

After earning a doctorate in sustainable agriculture from UC Berkeley, he returned to his home country. Blending science with his faith, he forged a new path for local farmers. At Finca Villa Loyola, he held workshops to teach soil protection, organic fertilizers, and crop diversification, helping the land regain its vitality.

Today, this transformation is continued by farm managers Alejandra Giraldo and Diego Chicaiza. Guided by their principle of "love and service," they use coffee to benefit the community, ensuring residents can live with dignity and earn a stable income. At Villa Loyola, all workers receive at least the legal minimum wage and are treated with fairness, peace, and love.

The farm has become more than just a center for agroecology and environmental innovation; it is a symbol of reborn. It holds hundreds of stories of people replacing war with peace, transforming their way of life, and creating an environment where their children want to return home and carry on their family legacy.

The coffee from Villa Loyola has not only won international awards but also connects the world through direct trade. Every cup is a testament to the reborn of both the land and its people, a story of replacing fear with hope and dignity.

Coffee that Renews Hope: from Opium Fields to Arabica

In the mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Karen people once relied on opium cultivation. In the 1970s, King Bhumibol's "Royal Project" encouraged replacing opium with coffee, which brought a gradual turning point to the region.

Muga, meaning "auntie" in the Northern Thai Karen language, honors the hardworking women of the community. This coffee is a story guarded by them.

With assistance from the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel religious order, Br. Anurak and Lojia Pholawat established a coffee processing center at Life Coffee. This allowed the value of the coffee to directly benefit the community, successfully boosting local household incomes. The land, once filled with illicit crops and conflict, is now covered with Arabica coffee trees, symbolizing a return to safety and dignity.

This Thai coffee from the Golden Triangle is gaining international recognition for its quality. Every bean is a testament to transformation—from opium to coffee, and from conflict to hope.

Coffee that Builds Resilience: empowering families and future generations

In the Bale region of Ethiopia, coffee is more than just a crop; it's a lifeline for many families. This area has endured decades of civil unrest and political instability, which has devastated its economy and infrastructure. As a result, its coffee industry has lagged behind well-known neighboring regions like Yirgacheffe and Guji, making it difficult to export.

Supported by Caritas Switzerland, the uniqueBean project provides local farmers with professional training and helps them establish a comprehensive traceability system. This has successfully opened up export markets, boosting their income. The project also helps farmers build a resilient ecosystem where coffee coexists with vegetable gardens, chickens, and bees, providing a stable source of food and livelihood.

uniqueBean partners with Felisa Tsegaye and the Burka Yadot Farmers' Cooperative in Bale. Together, they meticulously cultivate heirloom coffee beans with unique floral notes and a full-bodied flavor. Each bean embodies the resilience of the land and the hope of the community.

This coffee from Bale is a testament to resilience and hope. It has transformed lives, carrying the efforts of one generation and creating a brighter future for the next.