FOREST COFFEES
Our Forest Coffees are much more than simply Ethiopian shade-grown coffees – they are high-quality, innovative coffees that support local small-scale agriculture and respect primary forests.
Coffees in perfect tune with your artisanal roasting craft.
Innovate with rare and unique coffees
sourced from Ethiopia’s high-altitude
primary forests (Jimma, Kaffa, Wallagga&Guji).
Local farming techniques
that respect the natural habitat of the
Arabica plant.
A unique biodiversity,
a true cultural heritage.
Quality
achieved over 10 years spent working with local producers.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Belco has been sourcing coffees from local farmers
in western and southwestern Ethiopia for more than 10 years.
Working at their side, we have seen first-hand just how exceptional their arabicas and natural high-altitude primary forest habitat are. We have also understood the essential role of producers and their local ancestral know-how in ensuring this unique environment is respected.
It is important to us that our work serves to protect and promote the coffees and farmerswho live off and alongside these Arabica coffee plants.
OUR BELCO APPROACH
Selection
Our Ethiopia agency chooses only producers who work
«in a «wild mountain forest» or
«agroforestry» environment wishing to improve the quality of the coffee they produce.
Quality
Our Belco agronomists give these producers advice on how to raise forest coffee quality, for example by building African beds, improving processes and distributing red-cherry harvest premiums.
Land
We spend over half of the year working with farmers, forging quality relationships built on trust. We collect technical data on the terroir’s trees, soils, coffee trees and history to provide you with as much information about these coffees as possible.
Long term
Belco pays prices based on quality and ensures sustainable outlets for coffees, so that producers are encouraged to pursue this approach and to diversify their income.
«Our ultimate goal is to provide you with quality coffees ,
that faithfully represent and express these magnificent terroirs.»
WE CAN GUARANTEE
A high level of biodiversity
- A minimum of 40–50% shade on plots
- At least 10 different local tree species
- A «wild mountain forest» or «agroforestry» origin
Full and detailed traceability
- GPS plot positioning and mapping
- Name of the producer(s)
- Full description of the farming methods
Superior cup quality
- A score higher than 80/100 (Q Cupping standards),
and a sensory profile established by a Q Grader - Grown at an altitude of between 1,400 and 2,400 metres
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
A communication kit for you and your customers
Find out more about the project and gain full control of your coffees.
Contact us for more information
FOREST COFFEES
About 2,000 bags of Forest Coffees are available each year (6 containers).
These limited volumes make them an ideal choice for artisanal roasting.
