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An exceptional example of natural processing. Brewed as a filter, this coffee is full-bodied and juicy, with notes of raspberry and honey. As an espresso, expect a creamy body that, when combined with steamed milk, suggests flavour notes of berry milkshake.
The Sovu washing station is used by members of the Maraba co-operative - our longest-standing partner. This outstanding coffee is the result of skilled farming, careful harvesting, and expert processing, combined with the region’s ideal conditions: high altitudes, nutrient-rich soils, and a favourable climate. Only the ripest cherries are selected before being slowly dried for up to a month on raised African beds.
The washing station is a vital source of employment in the region, providing seasonal work for 80–100 people - 80% of whom are women.
We are the home of fresh coffee. When you order online, your coffee is roasted fresh to order, especially for you. Plus, it’s speciality grade and traded ethically through Union Direct Trade.
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Maraba Sovu
Rwanda
The Maraba co-operative have a very important role in Union’s history, being the first co-operative that Union partnered with back in 2001. A USAID-funded development project was launched to improve the livelihoods of poor rural farmers through production of high-quality coffee following the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Union were the first commercial partners of this project, becoming the first coffee company in the world to source speciality coffee from Rwanda.
Rwanda is commonly nicknamed ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’ - a small country with a hilly landscape allowing you to see for miles. The high altitudes make for the perfect locations to grow speciality coffee. Maraba coffee is grown up at 1,700 metres above sea level.
From approximately 300 initial members in 2001, the cooperative has expanded to over 1,500 members, of whom about 35 per cent are women. We have worked with the cooperative to fund processing facilities and to provide training in growing high quality coffee, allowing farmers to earn more for their crop. The premium we pay has contributed towards health insurance for cooperative members, improved housing with hygienic flooring, tile roofing and furniture, and economic stability in the local area through the creation of shops and local banks. Being able to eat three balanced meals a day has resulted in improved nutrition and health.
There has been a transformation in Maraba. What was one of the poorest regions of Rwanda, has now got growing economic stability, a bustling town and strong community spirit.
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