In the highlands of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Mitumba mountains meet Lake Kivu, SOPACDI (Solidarité Paysanne pour la Promotion des Actions Café et Développement Intégral) is writing a remarkable story of resilience, community, and exceptional Fairtrade organic coffee.
Unity in Diversity
Founded in 2003, SOPACDI unites 11,600 farmers from various ethnic groups across 21 sectors. In a region scarred by conflict, this cooperative has become a beacon of hope, fostering peace and sustainable development through fair trade and organic coffee cultivation.
Quality and Sustainability
SOPACDI produces fully washed, specialty Kivu Arabica coffee at altitudes of 1,460 to 2,000 metres. Their coffee, dominated by prized Bourbon varieties, offers a complex flavour profile. You'll find choice notes of milk chocolate, sweet molasses, liquorice, peated whisky and a hint of blackcurrant .
Consistently scoring over 85 points, it's a true specialty coffee experience.
Certifications and Impact
As the only cooperative in Kivu with four certifications (FTO, SPP, UTZ, and Organic), SOPACDI demonstrates its commitment to ethical practices and environmental stewardship. In just a decade, they've improved access to education, enhanced housing, created youth employment, and promoted gender equality. Over 30% of co-op members are women - and this is growing!
SOPACDI invests in crucial infrastructure and farmer education, focusing on sustainable agriculture techniques. This ensures both environmental preservation and improved livelihoods for farmers.
By choosing SOPACDI Fairtrade organic coffee, you're supporting a movement that's transforming lives and setting new standards for ethical, sustainable coffee production.
Beyond this exceptional coffee story, $5 from every kg of coffee sold is also donated to Joyya, sparking good in places of extreme poverty and modern slavery. Does coffee get any more impactful than this?
Three Times As Good As Regular Coffee
Images courtesy of Trade Aid, Twin Trading, and BTC Trade for Development Centre
