PRODUCER :  Oromia Coffee Farmers' Co-operative Union in Ethiopia

STRENGTH GUIDE :  FULL/MEDIUM (4)

STUART'S TASTING NOTES

"A rich complex coffee, subtle floral acidity;  medium bodied with chocolate/apricot notes.  A great mocha coffee."

A BIT ABOUT THE COFFEE AND THE FARMERS

Oromia is the region in south west Ethiopia where coffee first originated in the beginning of the 5th century. The region is known for its unique and diverse native vegetation. The Oromos use coffee for food, drink, trade, spiritual nourishment and as a tool for peace-keeping.  

Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU) is a small farmers owned cooperative union. OCFCU was established in 1999 and works exclusively in Oromia Regional State, which accounts for more than 65 % of the country’s total coffee growing land. OCFCU is a democratic member’s owned business operating under the principles of International Cooperative Alliance and fair trade. Members of OCFCU are the growers, processors and suppliers of high quality, organic Arabica coffee for direct export.

Tadesse Meskela (pictured above) was General Manager of the Oromia Coffee Farmers' Co-operative Union in Ethiopia when featured as the central character in the film "Black Gold".  As Tadesse said:

"Fairtrade is not just a buying and selling process. It is creating a global family."