Tokuma Coffee Farmers represent a group of dedicated, independent coffee producers who have met the stringent requirements set forth by Coffee and Tea Authorities to export their high-quality beans directly to international markets. Most of these farmers are second-generation cultivators, inheriting both the land and deep-rooted knowledge of coffee cultivation from their ancestors. In the past, they sold their coffee cherries to middlemen, but over time, many transitioned into cooperative systems, supplying cherries to larger unions. Today, Tokuma Coffee Farmers stand as empowered individuals, ready to bring their product directly to the global stage.
The Role of Addis Exporter and the Tokuma Group
At the heart of this transformation is the Tokuma Group, with Addis Exporter serving as a dedicated service provider. The services offered go beyond traditional partnerships. Addis Exporter supports the farmers at every stage, offering agronomy training, guidance on processing, quality control, sampling, marketing, milling, packaging, and the logistics of exporting. Throughout all these services, one key aspect remains clear: the farmers retain full ownership of their coffee.
One of the most pressing questions surrounding fair trade is, “How much is the farmer paid?” In the Tokuma Group’s model, transparency is paramount. Farmers control the entire financial process. Addis Exporter charges a service fee only after the farmers receive the proceeds from their coffee sales, ensuring that the farmers are always in the driver’s seat when it comes to their earnings.
Traceability and Transformation
When you purchase from Tokuma Coffee Farmers, you are assured of 100% traceability and transparency, down to the specific farm. This connection to the source provides not only an authentic story but also the confidence that your coffee comes from sustainable and ethical practices.
Over the years of working directly with these farmers, we have seen dramatic improvements in their lives. With the profits from their labor, they’ve been able to expand their farms, plant more coffee trees, and improve agricultural practices through techniques like pruning and stumping. Beyond coffee, they’ve diversified their businesses, offering employment to local community members and improving the livelihoods of their families.
Supporting Marginalized Farmers Through Direct Trade
When you buy coffee from Tokuma Coffee Farmers, you’re not just getting an exceptional cup—you’re empowering marginalized farmers in one of the most crucial parts of the coffee supply chain. You are directly contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for these farmers. Through your purchase, you are supporting individuals who take pride in maintaining ownership of their product and receiving the rewards they deserve for their hard work.
The farmers of the Tokuma Group feel a deep sense of pride in maintaining control over their operations and gaining recognition for their work. Thanks to the traders, importers, roasters, cafés, and consumers who continue to support not only Tokuma Coffee Farmers but also other smallholder farmers around the world, we are witnessing a shift in the industry towards more equitable and transparent trade practices.
Be the Change You Want to See
By choosing to source from the Tokuma Group, you are standing up for transparency, sustainability, and direct farmer empowerment. Let’s continue to support those who work tirelessly to grow the coffee we love while creating meaningful change in their communities. Thank you for being part of this journey with us and for contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for smallholder farmers across the world.