Izaias is a second-generation coffee farmer and learnt his trade by working alongside his father. Ten hectares is a good-sized farm, but not large for this region of Brazil. Izaia puts all his land to work growing coffee and sells the harvested cherry to the local (45km) Pedralva Mill. The Pedralva Mill is owned by Carmo Coffees, who we have worked with for over a decade. The team at Carmo Coffees select cherry from smaller farms such as Sítio Vale do Sol, process it using the Pulped Natural or Natural methods, and then send it to their dry mill at Três Corações for final preparations before export. They are able to maintain lot traceability all the way through the process.
Monmouth Coffee Company was founded in 1978 by Nick Saunders and Anita Le Roy on Monmouth Street in Covent Garden. It is widely regarded as a pioneer of third wave coffee in London. The roastery operates from five railway arches in Bermondsey, using energy efficient Loring roasters. Monmouth sources from single farms, estates, and cooperatives through long term contracts, with staff travelling regularly to origin. They have been buying directly in Huila, Colombia, since 2012. The company played a part in regenerating both Neal's Yard and Borough Market, and many of London's independent roasters trace their roots back to Monmouth's training. There are no paper cups: ceramic for staying in, reusable for taking away.
