Tasting Notes

Bubblegum, Marshmallow, Pineapple & Honey.

Roast Level

Process

Particulars

Elevation:	1,750 m
Variety:	SL28 SL34
Process Type:	Natural
Producer:	Othaya Farmers Co

About this Specialty Coffee

Nestled in the highlands of Central Kenya, about 150km north of Nairobi, lies a coffee cooperative that has been making waves in the global specialty coffee scene. The Othaya Farmers Co-operative Society Limited, one of the largest fully farmer-owned, Fairtrade certified coffee societies in Kenya, has been producing some of the world's finest Arabica coffee for decades. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has attracted the attention of discerning coffee roasters worldwide, including The Espresso Lab, which has been working closely with the cooperative for many years.

Situated at an altitude of 1,828 meters above sea level, sandwiched between Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, Othaya enjoys ideal conditions for growing exceptional coffee. This unique terroir, combined with the cooperative's dedication to quality, results in beans that consistently rank among the best Kenyan coffees available. It's no wonder that partners like The Espresso Lab have maintained long-standing relationships with Othaya, recognizing the exceptional quality of their product.

The cooperative's journey began in 1956 when it was registered as a coffee marketing society with just 250 farmers. Today, it has grown to encompass 17 factories with a total membership of 11,000 small-scale farmers. This growth is a testament to the cooperative's vision "to be the best managed and the Leading Coffee Co-operative Society worldwide" and its mission "to be the leading producer of Kenyan Arabica Coffee and secure the best prices for our farmers."

What sets Othaya apart is not just the quality of their coffee, but their commitment to empowering farmers through value addition. The cooperative operates coffee nurseries, 17 wet mills, and even owns a dry mill financed through member shares. This vertical integration allows Othaya to maintain control over the entire production process, ensuring consistently high quality that has kept partners like The Espresso Lab coming back year after year.

Othaya's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is evident in their Fairtrade certification, which has helped them penetrate global markets and bring more benefits back to their community. The cooperative has also obtained certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), further cementing their reputation for quality and consistency. These certifications align perfectly with the values of conscious coffee roasters like The Espresso Lab, who prioritize both quality and ethical sourcing.

But Othaya's impact extends beyond just producing great coffee. The cooperative takes its role in the community seriously, engaging in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. From visiting children's homes and offering assistance to the needy, to constructing footbridges and partnering with organizations like Tree House and Aga Khan Hospital for free medical screening camps, Othaya is committed to uplifting its entire community.

For coffee lovers and industry professionals alike, the story of Othaya Farmers Co-operative Society Limited is a compelling one. It's a tale of how a group of small-scale farmers, through cooperation and dedication to quality, have managed to produce some of the world's most sought-after coffee while also improving the lives of their members and community. The long-standing partnership between Othaya and The Espresso Lab is a testament to the enduring appeal of this approach, showcasing how sustainable, quality-focused coffee production can create lasting relationships in the global coffee community.