Our farms

Smokin’ Bean uses coffee beans grown in Peru, Mexico, Brazil and Uganda.

Here’s a little bit about some of the cooperatives we work with and how their Fairtrade premium is used…

Sol y Cafe Cooperative, Peru

The coop invests a proportion of the premium in quality and productivity. For example, they have a program of technical assistance for farmers. They have also recently invested in new solar driers to control the drying process effectively, and an innovative IT system to help them record excellent traceability data and reward their members with higher prices for higher quality coffee.

The cooperative also started a fund which covers the costs of funerals for coffee farmers and their families.

Additionally, a café has been built at the cooperative headquarters so that farmers can enjoy espresso-based drinks and better understand how their product is likely to be enjoyed by the end consumer. They have even started running barista training courses!

History of the group	The cooperative was founded in 2003. It started with 27 community level groups of coffee farmers but now has more than 60. The groups name translates as “Sun and Coffee” cooperative. As well as coffee, they also produce cocoa and rice.
Location	San Ignacio and Jaen provinces, northern Peru.
Producer information	1,160 active farmer members. Farms are quite small with members having under three hectares of coffee in cultivation on average.
Arabica varietals	Catimor, Typica, Caturra and Pache
Certifications	We buy Fairtrade, organic and Rainforest Alliance certified coffee from Sol y Café. The group first became organic certified in 2006 and Fairtrade certified in 2011. Almost 80% of their production is organic.
Altitude	1,200 – 1,800 metres
Harvest season	April – November
Processing	Fully washed on-farm processing followed by patio and solar drying. After the coffee has been sorted and graded it is taken to the centralised warehouses and then to the Norandino mill for export preparation.
Cupping note	Acid, soft and sweet. Medium body and toast. Nice and even.

FEDESI Cooperative, Mexico

FEDESI has invested the premium in the provision of coffee plants and the other inputs required for rehabilitation on farms. They have also provided technical assistance to farmers to help with the replanting. This has been a necessary investment since the outbreak of “la roya” or coffee leaf rust in the region and it will greatly help in maintaining coffee yields from coffee farmers in future.

History of the group	FEDESI (Federacion de Sociedades Cooperativas Cafetaleras de la Sierra Madre) was founded by six community level farmer groups.
Location	Chaipas region of southern Mexico. The state borders Guatemala and shares a mountain range, the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, with the country. The favourable climate and high altitude create perfect conditions for cultivating quality speciality coffees. The state has a large indigenous population and many people rely on coffee cultivation to support their families.
Producer information	1,902 active farmer members. Members cultivate under 3 hectares of coffee on average.
Arabica varietals	Bourbon, Caturra, Sarchimor
Certifications	We buy Fairtrade and organic certified coffee from FEDESI. It is relatively young and only started selling certified coffee in 2016.
Altitude	800 – 1,500 metres
Harvest season	December – March
Processing	Washed and sundried on patios or drying beds.
Cupping note	Soft citrus, sweet aroma with chocolate and caramel flavours. The body is well balanced and clean.

ASCARIVE, Brazil

Fairtrade has allowed ASCARIVE to obtain better prices for its coffee. It encourages members to produce coffee sustainably and to break barriers.

Thanks to the certification, ASCARIVE members recognise their work and believe in themselves, and in turn, so does their community. With funds from the Fairtrade Premium, the organization invests in areas such as environmental conservation, coffee quality and productivity, social and community based projects, organisational infrastructure, among others.

History of the group	The cooperative was founded in 2008 by small-scale family farmers, seeing a better life quality of life for its members. ASCARIVE supports its members in areas such as sustainable production, coffee quality and commerce, among others. They also promote the principles and values of Fairtrade, with a focus on social, economic and environmental projects.
Location	Carmo de Minas in Minas Gerais State. It is situated along the mountainside of ‘Serra da Mantiquiera de Minas’
Producer information	There are 120 members
Arabica varietals	Yellow Bourbon, Red Bourbon, Acaia, Yellow Catuai, Red Catuai, Catucai, Mundo Novo
Certifications	We buy Fairtrade coffee from ASCARIVE. The coop has been certified since 2010
Altitude	900 – 1,550 MASL
Harvest season	May – November
Processing	ASCARIVE currently uses a natural processing method, seeking innovation and a high-quality cup. Following processing, the coffee is dried on terraces or elevated platforms.
Cupping note	Medium body, cereal, nut and smooth

*May 2019