What makes St Remio so unique is not only what they stand for, but their ability to offer agnostic solutions to suit a variety of systems. From whole beans to a wide range of compatible capsules, the broad range of innovative products allows them to reach and engage with a wider consumer market and build inroads across all coffee categories both at a local and global level.
“St Remio is more that great coffee, it is a movement and we are challenging people to think about the impact their cup of coffee can have on the lives of growers. We are proud to offer coffee in all formats so that we can engage with all consumers and take them on a journey with us to help empower female farmers in business. It’s your cup, full circle,” explains Tink.
An example of the impact that the brand has is evident in the Cocagi Femme project. Since starting the project with the female farming community of Cocagi in Rwanda three years ago, St Remio has purchased in excess of 20,000 coffee plants and other seedlings to diversify their income. They have also purchased and donated an additional 8 hectares of land, doubling the output by the cooperative and allowing them to increase their earning capacity.
“I’ d spent 10 years working in coffee but it was only on a trip to Rwanda in 2015 that I saw coffee for what it was – people.”
St Remio supports the preparation of the land by funding the purchase of compost and fertilisers, allowing new seedlings to thrive. They also fund the cooperative agronomist, helping to train and educate farmers to better protect their crops against ongoing issues such as instability of the seasons including unpredictable rainfall. Constant training in updating farming practises to combat these issues is imperative to both harvesting a successful crop but also in educating the farming community on sustainable methods that allow them to work in harmony with nature instead of against it. Some of the future goals of the project are to fund the construction of toilets and changing rooms within the plantation, the purchase of organic manure for crops, and ongoing support to the cooperative.
In addition to the physical benefits of the program, the Cocagi Femme members are also empowered, partaking in regular board meetings to discuss sustainable farming practices, how to market their coffee to international buyers as well as to share ideas, ensuring there is continuous growth and improvement within the co-operative.
“In every cup of coffee you enjoy, there lies a thousand stores. Theirs. Yours. Mine. That’s the true impact of coffee. And simply by choosing a brand like St Remio, you are allowing us to have a positive impact on these communities, empower them in business and provide for their families.
“Coffee is about people. If we don’t invest in these communities, then we aren’t investing in coffee or protecting it for future generations to come,” said Tink.
To learn more about St Remio, visit www.stremiocoffee.com
