Coacki

Impressions: plum, cocoa nibs, butter cookie, marshmallow
Roast degree: light (2/5)
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Location: Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Washed
Farmer: COACKI Cooperative
Farm: Groupement de Mbinga-Sud, Village de Munanira, Sub-village of Mabula/Mushenyi
Import partner: Optimist Coffee Traders

It's been a while since we release a coffee from an origin we never had before, so we are thrilled to introduce our first ever coffees from the Congo!
(Psst! 👉🏼 Check out the Olame lot as well!)

The Coacki was started in 2022 by 10 founding members/producers and has now grown, in just under 4 years, to 276 members. COACKI is one of the few cooperatives in the region to have built a washing station without external aid, funded entirely by contributions from its founding members - a positive outcome for its development.

By making good governance a pillar of its management, COACKI aims to reclaim their power and contribute to community development through coffee produced by its members. Producers who deliver coffee to the cooperative’s washing station will receive a higher price in the event of a profit after the sale - demonstrating the honesty and transparency of the cooperative. 

We partnered with Jim Ngokwey of with Optimist Coffee Traders for our first Congolese lots. Optimist focuses on sourcing coffees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa, working closely with producers and cooperatives at origin. The team behind Optimist helped shape one of the first U.S. importers dedicated to Congolese coffee, and brings that experience into how they build relationships and move coffee today.

Their approach is simple: keep quality high, keep connections direct, and make sure producers are part of the value being created. It’s about building something more balanced across the supply chain, from farm to roaster.

The situation in the country, including in coffee producing regions, has been difficult and very volatile in recent years. Rwanda militias sponsored by imperial forces are controlling most of the coffee producing regions. People need permission to travel across the region while also being monitored heavily, limiting free speech and advocacy. Despite all the hardships, and increased risks and cost of production, producers keep building on and improving every year.

By buying this coffee or Olame, you can truly measure your impact in those communities. With every bag purchased, $5 goes to Team Congo RDC to fund vital education and community growth. If you’d like to do even more, feel free to contribute to their mission directly.