New coffee launched in celebration of next generation of coffee farmers.
May 10th, 2024 | Sourcing & Sustainability
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With nearly 160 years of history behind us, we’re looking to the future of coffee here at Matthew Algie, starting with the next generation of coffee farmers. Without our partners across the world, who nurture, grow and process some of the finest coffee beans around, our goals wouldn’t be achievable. That’s why we’re launching a new blend in celebration of their skill and dedication. We’re excited to say that news of our latest blend has made it to The Scotsman, click here to read all about it.
Matthew Algie Launches a New Coffee
As part of our Next Gen training programme, delivered in partnership with the Ubiriki cooperative in Peru, we partnered with the next generation of coffee farmers to launch a new coffee. Twenty-four young adults have been through the initiative, which is designed to provide opportunities for young people in coffee-growing communities.
The Miriam Blend
Our Smokin’ Bean brand has launched a new coffee in celebration of the top-scoring student in the initial pilot project, Miriam Anais Ramos Ibañez. Miriam’s blend, which features beans sourced from the Ubirki cooperative, is now available as part of a coffee-to-go solution for forecourt and convenience retailers, as well as education sites across the UK.
Creating Opportunities For All
Mathew Algie is proud to support coffee farmers like Miriam across the globe whilst ensuring the coffee industry is profitable and fair for all who contribute. Miriam said:
“Without Matthew Algie’s support, my dream to build a promising career in the coffee industry would not have been possible. It’s an honour to have been chosen as the face of this coffee – it’s funny to think that people in the UK will know my name. “
“I am the daughter of farmers, and I have known coffee since I was a young girl. Now, as I grow older, I am looking for different experiences, and to learn more so I can develop a fulfilling career.”
The opportunity was available exclusively to cooperative members or children of members and technicians like Miriam. Matthew Algie committed to ensuring at least 50% female representation in each cohort. Matthew Algie invested in the project by hiring coffee experts to deliver the training, which included specialty coffee cupping. Already, Miriam has become a certified Q-grader and is responsible for quality control at the cooperative in Peru. Two other young adults are currently in the Q-grader certification process.
Demand Is Growing, With No Signs Of Slowing Down
Emma Baker, Head of Retail Marketing from Matthew Algie said: “We take pride in roasting exceptional coffee at our carbon-neutral roastery in the heart of Glasgow that is enjoyed by thousands every day.”
The demand for coffee is growing and showing no signs of slowing down; with this comes many more opportunities for ambitious young people from within coffee communities. We want to show them coffee can provide a stable and profitable future. “This project has and will continue to improve the lives of young people as well as improve the quality of our coffee.”
Matthew Algie’s Net Zero Goal
Matthew Algie works closely with growers and visits them regularly. Once the beans are sourced they are then roasted in our Glasgow roastery, which is on a mission to become Net Zero across our entire value chain by 2040. Estelle MacGilp, head of coffee sourcing at Matthew Algie, added: “We know our producers. We understand the risks and challenges they face and we want to help them overcome these challenges and provide support right where it is needed. Naturally, we do everything we can to make sure they work in safe conditions, receive a fair price for their work and that their families and communities can thrive through the production of coffee. That’s why we’ve launched this.”
“The average age of coffee farmers is increasing as it’s becoming more common for the next generation to leave the family farm in search of different career paths. For coffee to support communities for generations to come, we must engage young people, and offer a promising future. “
“Research has shown that interest in working in the coffee industry has partly reduced due to inadequate education on offer and low salaries. That’s something we hope to help change through collaborative learning, which will help young people like Miriam realise their potential.”
Matthew Algie’s commitment to fair practise
In a world where the future of coffee farming is increasingly uncertain, we are standing for sustainability and social responsibility. By forging strong relationships with growers, understanding their needs, and committing to fair practices, they not only ensure the quality of their products – but also strive to uplift entire communities.
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