We've been working with various East Timorese producers for the last 4 year via Karst organics, who help us bring some of the best coffees from East Timor to the U.K. Rotutu group specialises in natural coffee, under the guidance of Kar-Yee and Stewart from Karst Organics.

These coffees from Rotutu are what we describe as High-Impact projects - meaning that our dollars (the currency of purchase) yield a greater benefit at the producer level comparatively than in other producing countries. We have recently purchased 1500kg from East Timor, and every penny makes its way towards doing more social good at the producer level.

Our eyes and ears down on the ground at East Timor is Karst Organics' field manager, Maun Simao.

He serves as the primary contact for the coffee community in Letefoho, where he has lived his entire life. With over 20 years of experience in Timor-Leste’s green coffee production, Simao has a unique insight into the challenges faced by Ermera’s coffee producers. His role is crucial in maintaining quality control across all partner groups and providing essential support in coffee tree rehabilitation and maintenance.

Cultivated at between 1500 and 1600 MASL, this particular coffee is treated to constant sunny days and cool nights. The remote location of the village limits income opportunities for its residents, particularly during the wet season when the access routes are treacherous.

Thanks to Maun Simao, the producers of Rotutu take the time to process their coffee to the highest quality, with the goal of continuous improvement. Ongoing collaboration with Simao helps them share ideas on processing and maintain support with materials. By leveraging their expertise and learning from one another, they hope to grow their communities and transform their futures.

The quality of the coffee alone was enough to persuade us to buy, but it was upon meeting Stuart at the Nottingham Coffee Festival and seeing his passion first hand that we realised what a special project this was indeed.