From Farm to Cup

Coffee Cultivation

Conventional coffee farming works in monoculture. Coffee trees are lined up, being isolated from their natural ecosystem, which requires the use of fertilisers and pesticides. To support biodiversity and produce organic coffees, Impact Berry coffee grows wildly in its natural habitat. Nature helps itself by falling leafs fertilising the ground and bugs being picked by their natural enemies, not by chemicals. Consuming wild coffee not only is better for human health but at the same time supports small farms and benefits the planet's wildlife.

Harvest

The coffee harvest takes place once a year, stretched over several months. Depending on the coffee region, these periods vary and altogether cover the whole year. The harvest includes picking the ripe coffee cherries, which have turned into a bright red. What is interesting to know: coffee cherries on one branch can grow side by side although being in different stages of the ripening process (see picture). The harvest is the crucial part of the year for every farm as it reveals the yield of coffee and hence determines the revenue for this specific crop. Impact Berry creates shared value by promoting and supporting farms to not only focus on coffee but other fruit and products to diversify their income and not to rely solely on coffee. We coach and empower to make better use of the diversity of natural ecosystems to support farms as well as to benefit nature.

Processing

Coffee processing is one key step in the coffee value chain. There are several different processing methods that contribute to defining coffee quality and taste profile. The picture shows 3 main processing methods. Natural processing, honey processing and washed processing. Natural processing gives the coffee lots of berry notes with a slightly winy taste due to fermentation during the processing. Honey processing gives the coffee lots of fruity and sweet notes. The washed processing puts emphasis on the flavors of the coffee seed itself and usually creates a less layered taste. Looking at the different processing methods from an environmental perspective, one finds natural and honey processing to be in favour due to a low water consumption. Impact Berry creates shared value by supporting coffee coaches in the sourcing regions to spread knowledge, design workshops and empower farmers to increase their cultivation- and processing techniques. This leads to higher yields, higher coffee qualities and increased income for the farms and their communities.

Shipping

When coffee is shipped from its originating country to the consuming market, several means of transport can be relevant. Whereas flying the goods is fast and convenient, it also implies the biggest carbon footprint to the finished product. Shipping coffee by sea takes longer but at the same time is by far more environmentally friendly. This is a trade-off which can however be solved. By consuming primarily Asian coffees, the travel times and -distances can be minimised, the transit time - even by ship - reduced to a minimum and a low footprint achieved! Despite, Asian coffees often have a phenomenally balanced profile - because of all these reasons, Impact Berry sources coffee only from Asian countries, as close to Hong Kong as possible!

Roasting & Cupping

Before the coffee can be grinded, brewed and enjoyed, it needs to be roasted. The roasting creates and reveals the flavors that the coffee bean carries. It is therefore a very important and sensitive step in coffee production as beans can easily burn or flavors be destroyed by wrong handling. For the roasting high expertise and dedication is needed in order to apply the last finish to the coffee bean before it is ready to be used. Impact Berry generally aims at utilising resources mindful and efficient as well as reducing idle times and material input. So do we in the step of roasting and finishing.

Social Impact

Sourcing countries - Impact Berry has partnered with several local NGOs on the ground both in the sourcing regions as well as in Hong Kong. We believe in inclusion, integrity and empowerment and envision to support the communities that we work with. Our NGO partners support us in this endeavour with their local and cultural knowledge as well as the necessary tools to make our joint empowerment as targeted as possible. Impact Berry takes a multi layred approach here. On the one hand, we are working on the ground ourselves with teachers and kids. On the other hand, we support our partners with funds to initiate social and infrastructure projects. For example: Every bag of Impact Berry coffee provides 2 people in need access to fresh drinking water! Hongkong - Impact Berry aims at contribution to self sustainability of urban areas. We are constantly partnering in Hong Kong and beyond to pursue the goal to bring vegetables closer to your home - by promoting urban self-farming. To set up a first joint rooftop garden, Impact Berry has now partnered with 'Grow Something‘ - a Hong Kong urban farming startup who’s mission is to enable urbanities to enjoy the freshest organic vegetables harvested from home!