At Holy Bean, we are aware of the footprint we leave in the world and the choices we make.
We also know that we have begun a long journey towards a more responsible way of running a micro-roastery. We cannot change the world alone, but the small steps we take together can make a difference.
Sourcing Our Coffees
High quality is crucial for us when sourcing our coffees, but we also consider which washing station, farmer, or cooperative the coffee comes from, how it’s grown, which processing method is used, and how the coffee positively impacts the local area. This could be through providing advice and training to smaller farmers, focusing on increasing women’s participation in the coffee industry, or reducing water usage in the processing. For us, quality isn’t just about the coffee itself, but also about all the factors surrounding it – from the farmers to your enjoyment of a good cup.
Women in coffee
Supporting and inspiring more women to become part of the coffee industry is something we work towards every day. The industry is primarily dominated by men, but by creating more diversity at all levels, we can actively help promote women’s independence and living conditions – especially in poorer production countries where they often depend on their husband’s income. Therefore, this is one of many criteria we look at when sourcing our coffees.
With Mindful Focus
At Holy Bean, we have a desire to make the world a better place. A wish to run our roastery with a focus on integrity. This applies to climate, social responsibility, and our business ethics and morals. But we also know we’re just getting started.
Our coffee bags are made of PE Mono- material, making them 100% recyclable when sorted with plastics rather than general waste.
By choosing organically grown coffee, we help reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers on the actual coffees.
Sourcing our coffees happens with a focus on social responsibility that supports more diversity, more small farmers, or local community development.
A Healthier Agriculture
When we talk about shade trees, we’re referring to either coffee plants growing among the original vegetation or trees planted after the coffee bushes. This provides good and necessary protection for the plant and berry against direct sunlight, which can be very harsh for coffee plants. At the same time, it allows the berry to develop more slowly and thus achieve a more complex flavor profile.
Shade trees also help improve soil health by adding organic material through leaves and roots. Finally, it can help create a more optimal habitat for various plant and animal species compared to an area with only coffee plants.
Less water consumption
There’s no doubt that all processing methods have their unique characteristics and give coffee its distinct features, which is why we’ll always choose coffees with different processing methods. A washed coffee gives a more “clean” cup, while a natural process gives more sweetness because it typically absorbs sugar from the coffee cherry while drying on sun beds.
That being said, there’s a big difference in how much water is used in the different processing methods. Typically, a washed coffee uses on average between 20-40 liters of water per kg of washed coffee, whereas a naturally processed coffee uses less than 5 liters per kg of coffee. *
*Source: Ponte, S. (2011). The Business of Coffee: How to Source, Roast and Brew Better Coffee.
At Holy Bean, we believe that through coffee, we can help create a better world. With consideration for the climate and the people who, every day, with dedication and passion, work to create a fantastic and complex raw material that we can work with until the final coffee experience.
Responsible Forestry and Traceability
Traceability is, as we see it, a mandatory task we all must engage in. Only in this way can we ensure together that we’re not contributing to clearing new forest areas for coffee cultivation. A task we’re far from completing.
Today, we try to choose coffees that are Rainforest Alliance certified, such as our coffee from Suke Quto in Ethiopia.
Sort with Plastics
At Holy Bean, we believe that recyclable packaging is essential for taking responsibility for our shared environment. Our coffee bags are chosen with care, and by using recyclable materials, we’re helping to reduce a small part of the waste amount. Therefore, our coffee bags are made of PE mono-material, which can be recycled if sorted with plastic waste after use.
Collaborations and Partnerships
We engage in partnerships that focus on making a local difference in some way. This could be through cooperatives that help small farmers, promote women’s living conditions, or support children’s education by supporting school projects.
With Care
When buying coffees, there are certain factors to consider if you want to shop responsibly. These can include certifications like organic, Rainforest Alliance, support for small farmers and women. It can be local projects that improve living conditions.
When you choose to buy a single estate coffee, we or our importer know the farm, cooperative, or washing station. This makes it easier to follow the coffee through the entire supply chain compared to single origin, which typically includes coffees from multiple locations.
By buying a hand-knitted hat, gloves, or sweater, you support female coffee producers in Burundi and Rwanda by ensuring them a stable year-round income.
When you choose high quality when buying coffee, farmers are also paid a higher average price for their coffees.
Tips and tricks for the best coffee experiences
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