Rotutu Fully Washed

Rotutu, in western Letefoho, is home to a dedicated group of producers committed to improving quality and expanding market access for East Timorese coffee. Since 2017, they have worked to refine their harvesting and processing practices, ensuring their coffee meets the highest standards.

To support this, our sourcing partners, Karst Organics, helped establish the Rotutu processing facility in 2019. Alongside this, a cherry purchasing model was introduced, guaranteeing prices that average 30% above the local commercial rate. While price alone doesn’t determine quality, this incentive has encouraged meticulous harvesting, with farmers carefully selecting only the ripest red cherries. The expertise of the facility’s team, combined with the producers’ dedication, has led to continuous improvements in cup quality.

As the coffee sector in Letefoho develops, so do the opportunities for Rotutu’s producers. Since the 2023 harvest, some farmers have chosen to process their own coffee, selling parchment instead of cherries. This shift reflects their pride in traditional methods and ensures their work is properly valued. With additional support, including processing materials and regular visits from field manager Simao Pedro de Deus, they maintain consistency and quality across all coffees.

Through our partnership with Karst Organics, we’re able to offer coffee from Rotutu that reflects the care, skill, and dedication of the producers behind it.