What’s really brilliant about Bean There is that in addition to sourcing fantastic coffee from 7 African countries, they form meaningful, long-term relationships with the growers they work with, and strive to improve their livelihoods with a focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing and direct fair trade practices. Bean There actually pays above market price for the coffees they roast in an effort to ensure that the farmers and producers with whom they work really are fairly compensated. 

Bean There typically offers the same 7 African single origin coffees year round, plus one blend, and while we’ve come to greatly appreciate the consistency and quality that such an approach to roasting and distribution lends itself to, this does mean that we don’t often get to gush about new Bean There coffees. That’s one of quite a few reasons that we’re so excited about Olga’s Reserve.

Last year’s Olga’s Reserve was easily one of our favourite coffees of the year, so we’re thrilled to have another edition so soon. This latest batch comes from Sidamo, one of Ethiopia’s most famous coffee-growing regions. Coffees from Sidamo tend to have a relatively low acidity compared to other Ethiopian coffees, which lets their sweetness and smooth finish really take the fore on your palate.

This particular Sidamo lot was produced by smallholding farmers organised under the Fero Cooperative, which is itself part of the greater Sidamo Farmers’ Cooperative Union. ‘Fero’ comes from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron, and symbolises the collective strength of members of the cooperative. Bean There, in its typical fashion, has been working closely with this cooperative and the community it supports since 2008. The Johannesburg-based roastery purchases Fero’s beans at market prices, and adds a premium for quality as well as Fero’s Fairtrade and Organic certifications. 

Fero’s farmers democratically decide what to do with these premiums. Over the years, they have used them to support their community, such as by building classrooms and administrative buildings, and developing local infrastructure, which has made clean drinking water and electricity more accessible. As Bean There puts it, “Fero is a shining example of Fairtrade at work and the impact premiums can have on community development.”

Notes from Bean There

“Our philosophy of seeking the best in both coffee and people, was embodied by Olga ‘Polly’ Robinson. She introduced her grandchildren, Jonathan and Sarah, to the wonderful world of coffee at an early age. This inspired them to start Bean There Coffee Company and share the world’s best coffee, while making a meaningful impact in the lives of the people who grow it. Through direct fair trade, we help these farmers empower their communities. In recognition of her unforgettable example, Olga’s Reserve is a carefully selected, rare, micro-lot coffee. It’s best enjoyed slowly, with a piece of chocolate, in peace and quiet, elegantly savouring every sip. Just as she did.”

Details from Bean There

• Flavour notes: Spicy aroma, notes or raspberry, milk chocolate and black tea, creamy mouthfeel
• Producer: Smallholding farmers organised under the Fero Cooperative
• Country: Ethiopia
• Region: Sidamo
• Variety: Ethiopian Heirloom Arabica Varietals
• Process: Natural

A portion of proceeds from this exclusive coffee goes directly to benefit Ethiopian small scale farmers.