How much is a single coffee bean really worth? While the quality of the bean is certainly an important factor, equally important is how you view these beans. And where they are sold, their market positioning, and other factors all influence the final value of that cup of coffee.
In East Timor, a country whose economy is rooted in agriculture, coffee bean farming has long been a staple industry. However, due to years of prolonged conflict, the general population has low education levels, limited agricultural expertise, and lacks the ability to distinguish between good and bad coffee beans, resulting in relatively low selling prices. As a result, some companies buy large quantities of East Timor-produced coffee—both good and bad—and only later sort out the suitable beans for use as raw materials.
The mountainous region we visited this time also used to sell coffee at very low prices. The area is remote, about a six-hour drive from the capital Dili, and the local infrastructure remains quite underdeveloped. As a result, few coffee merchants are willing to purchase beans directly from the farmers there. Local farmers have had to gather their beans and transport them to the city or sell them at nearby markets.
The arrival of the Hummningfish Foundation changed this situation. They teach farmers how to cultivate coffee, collect only the highest-quality beans, and pay farmers daily based on weight. After purchasing, they carry out a meticulous series of processes—from washing the beans to drying them, then to packaging and transportation.
Once repackaged, the coffee beans can be sold at higher prices to coffee shops in East Timor and even overseas. All profits are returned to the local farmers to continue supporting local development.
For this reason, Traveler Stores has listed this coffee product on their shelves. We hope this rich, flavorful coffee not only delights your taste buds but also supports the farmers of this distant nation, East Timor. Let’s all take a small step together.Learn More
Photo by Nikon D810
Acknowledgments: Youth Outreach Backpacking Experience Travelers, Air Timor