Raw Material is dedicated to using specialty coffee as a solution to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers worldwide. The company was founded with the goal of addressing the paradox in the coffee industry: while there is a growing demand for high-quality coffee, many producers earn low and volatile prices, often lower than their cost of production. This situation leads to cycles of poverty that hinder sustainable development for coffee-growing communities.

By focusing on regions with the greatest needs, Raw Material works to build stable, profitable supply chains through partnerships with farmers in Colombia, Mexico, Timor-Leste, Burundi, and Rwanda. Their approach is not only about improving the quality of coffee but also ensuring long-term economic sustainability for producers by improving their income and access to global markets. This model has already demonstrated success in places like Timor-Leste, where within a year of working with Raw Material, a coffee was produced that set the national record for quality, and over 90% of production was exported at 2-3X the national average prices.

Raw Material is driven by three core values:

1) Economic Empowerment: The company prioritises improving the economic outcomes for coffee producers by ensuring fair and stable pricing, timely payments, and market access. Raw Material believes in building systems that improve household incomes and provide long-term financial stability for smallholder farmers.

2) Social Impact: Raw Material places a strong focus on the social aspects of coffee production. The company works to empower women, encourage community-led projects, and foster inclusivity through training programs. For example, the company’s focus on training women in cupping, and building associations in Colombia, has contributed to higher-paying roles and greater gender equality in the sector.

3) Environmental Sustainability: Ensuring long-term viability and sustainability is central to Raw Material’s approach. The company supports farmers in adopting environmentally sustainable practices, addressing climate change challenges, and reducing reliance on mono-cropping. Their goal is to help farmers transition to more sustainable farming methods that balance environmental health with profitable coffee production.

Raw Material takes a hands-on approach to buying and importing coffee from its sourcing regions, ensuring both high-quality coffee and fair, transparent trade practices.

Here’s how Raw Material does it:

• Selecting and Sourcing Coffee: Raw Material partners with smallholder producers in Colombia, Mexico, Timor-Leste, Burundi, and Rwanda. The company works closely with communities to identify the highest-quality lots, ensuring the coffee is produced using sustainable and ethical practices.
• Quality Control and Sample Testing: Once coffee lots are selected, Raw Material conducts rigorous quality control. Samples are sent to potential buyers for approval, ensuring that each batch meets strict quality standards.
• Processing and Shipping: After confirming orders, Raw Material works with local mills to process the coffee. They ensure the coffee is properly dried, sorted, and graded before it is shipped to roasters. Payments are made based on the agreed prices and the quality of the final product.
• Stable Pricing: Raw Material is committed to offering fair, stable pricing for producers. They ensure that the prices paid reflect the cost of production and what roasters are willing to pay, creating a sustainable supply chain for both producers and buyers.
• Ongoing Support and Partnership: Raw Material provides ongoing support for roasters and producers alike. They help roasters connect directly with farmers, share valuable resources, and offer training to both producers and roasters to enhance the entire supply chain.