The Vyiza coffee from Ngozi Province, Burundi is a Bourbon variety, processed as natural. It comes from the Kariua Farmers Cooperative and is grown at high altitude in Burundi’s Ngozi region. The beans are sun-dried on raised beds, contributing a fruity, winey profile with notes such as black cherry and blueberry jam. This producer-led initiative emphasizes community, sustainability, and traceability.
Old Spike Roastery was founded in 2014 by Richard Robinson and Cemel Ezel in Peckham, South London, as what they describe as the first specialty coffee roaster to operate as a social enterprise. Sixty five percent of profits fund their mission to reduce homelessness through training, employment, and ongoing support. The roastery runs a barista training academy at its Loughborough Junction site, and their first employee, Lucy, was hired from a Big Issue position. They roast on a traditional machine named Torberg, working with direct trade, specialty grade Arabica. The operation is carbon neutral, with recyclable or compostable packaging and a partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects that plants a tree for every bag sold.
