Indonesian Sumatra Mandheling

Cup characteristics: Strong cedar notes, consistent, balanced, sweet tobacco, winey, spicy, chocolate.

This coffee is certified as both Fairtrade and Organic.

Sumatra is the second-largest island in the Republic of Indonesia. Sumatra Mandheling coffee is grown on the lofty, volcanic slopes of Mount Leuser, near the port of Padang in west-central Sumatra, at altitudes of 1,000–1,524 meters.

Coffee trees were originally brought to Indonesia in the early 19th century by the Dutch, who sought to break the world-wide Arabic monopoly on coffee cultivation. Within a few years, Indonesian coffee dominated the world's coffee market. But by the end of the century, disease had completely destroyed the crop. Take two! New trees were successfully planted and Indonesia quickly gained a large share of the world market until the plantations were ravaged again during World War II.

Our main suppliers of FTO Sumatra, KSU Adil Wiladah Mabrur and Koperasi Gayo Mandiri, have used Fair Trade premiums to purchase agricultural tools (weed cutters, machetes, shovels and saws), and invest in environmental education and training (erosion, soil conservation and disposal of waste). Programs focusing on women's empowerment are also prevalent, such as supporting women during their pregnancy by purchasing necessary medical tools. They have also made an effort to hire women to do manufacturing work in processing facilities as well as training in financial management.