2018/2019
CUPPING LAB
Tuk, Rwanda
This was the first initiative we were able to support back in 2017/ 2018 Financial year. The Premium Rewards In the 18/19 Financial year, St Remio was proud to fund a Cupping Lab for the female farming cooperative of TUK, Rwanda.
“Walking down the hill to the washing station of TUK was an emotional experience but one I will never forget. I was overwhelmed by the whole community singing and dancing in celebration of the cupping lab, we at St Remio had funded. Rwanda is such a special place for me. This is where it all began and to see what we have been able to achieve inspires me to DO more and BE more for communities like TUK,” explains Trent Knox, Founder of St Remio.
The Cupping lab signifies so many things; the first big project St Remio has been able to fund (thanks to the ongoing support and belief of our epic customers! Fist pump!) as well as a facility to educate.
For many of the growers, while they understood how to cultivate an excellent coffee cherry, they did not know how their product was being consumed which meant they also didn’t understand the value of their product. The Cupping Lab has changed that and was the last piece of infrastructure they needed to be fully sustainable and empowered in business.
The Cupping Lab enables them to roast their green beans in small batches so they can cup it. With the support of a Q Grader, the women are being taught to understand the flavour profile of their beans. By doing this process, they understand the quality of their product, if there are flavours that are undesirable and it provides them with knowledge so they can alter their farming methods to grow a more desirable cherry ultimately earning them more income. It also empowers them in business by allowing them to understand the full value of their product so they can negotiate a fair price when dealing direct with coffee roasters or traders.
“The impact of this project was as profound on the community of TUK as it was on us personally. It isn’t just a Cupping Lab, it is a symbol of independence and empowerment for the growers. It was a reminder that all the hard work that comes from running a business is worth it when you can celebrate success together and share it with others. True purpose and meaning comes giving back and collectively, we have the power to make a REAL difference in the lives of so many communities and you are a part of this journey with us.”
Julia Tink, Director, St Remio.
Chances are you might never meet the community your coffee choice is supporting, but you are having a lasting impact and it is a powerful one. THANK YOU for believing in us and allowing us to fund projects like this.
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