PRESS RELEASE
BEAN TO DOOR: MF COFFEE PROJECT INTRODUCES SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
Connecting farmers in Northern Malawi and drinkers in the UK with small batch, high-grade coffee however you want it, whenever you want it.
GLASGOW, UK, April 2022 – MF Coffee Project (Manchewe Falls Coffee), specialty coffee processors in Malawi, have launched a brand new subscription service delivering freshly roasted Malawian coffee across the UK. It’s part of their unique approach in reshaping the coffee market and offering something completely different to what’s currently out there. The social initiative is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the wonders of Malawian coffee and ensuring farmers receive a fair and regular living income; with the overarching aim of providing a direct link between farmers and consumers. The best part of the journey? It’s all in the process.
In appreciating the beauty and quality of Malawi’s single origin beans, MF Coffee Project takes a considered approach to the beans in their most natural form by shifting the focus from roasting to processing. “The processing of coffee is often overlooked in favour of the roast or tasting notes, yet it’s an integral part of achieving the overall flavour”, says Cameron McAllister, co-founder of MF Coffee Project. “By bringing awareness to the different processes and the flavours they offer, consumers can explore coffee through a new lens”. Having spent seven years on the ground in Northern Malawi working with local farmers, Cameron, together with fellow co-founder Lyson Msiska, set up a washing station for coffee to be processed on-site in 2016. It offers a centralised hub for local growers to weigh, grade and process different varieties of coffee cherries - a huge step in helping the community to continue growing its under-appreciated crop.
“Malawian coffee is not on the map of specialty coffee mostly due to logistical hurdles. Yet, the soil in Malawi is some of the best in the world, there is just the right amount of rainfall and the optimal altitude for coffee growing. Up until now, it’s been unfortunate for the farmers who are incredibly well-versed in their local varieties but also for coffee drinkers who haven’t experienced the magical qualities of these beans.”
Transforming a flawed coffee model
At the core of MF Coffee Project is to take single origin to the next level. As well as using single origin beans, they use the same group of small-scale farmers to create a fair and sustainable value chain. The ‘third wave’ of coffee has been advantageous for the consumer, but it has brought some damning implications for farmers. Many coffee roasters frequently change suppliers and obtain beans from various countries to adapt to consumer demands and the industry’s trend cycle. One year, it may be about Panama beans, the next it could be Ethiopia. Farmers can get left behind by trends determined by modern coffee aficionados. MF Coffee Project takes a new stance to empower small-scale farmers, enabling them to build sustainable futures by directly employing people in Manchewe from the revenue made in the UK and paying farmers directly. It cuts out a series of middle men, importers and exporters to create a direct link.
How the subscription works
Using different varieties from the same smallholder farmers, MF Coffee Project experiments with washed, honey and natural processing methods to extract the best flavour for the drinker. Once processed, the coffee is sent to Scotland where it is freshly roasted by Papercup (expert roasters in Glasgow) and delivered directly to your door. The range includes a lightly roasted variety processed via washed, honey or natural methods, as well as a darker roast variety for espresso. Simply choose your style, how often you want to receive it and your preferred grind. Each bag is shipped for free in 100% compostable and letterbox friendly packaging so you’ll never miss out on your caffeine hit. That’s small batch, short-chain and high-grade coffee however you want it, whenever you want it. From grower to drinker, bean to door.
Check out mfcoffeeproject.com for more information. Delivery is free within the UK and every purchase directly empowers the growers.
About MF Coffee Project
MF Coffee Project was founded in collaboration with Tiko Coffee Collective, a group of 48 specialty coffee farmers from Northern Malawi. They work together to secure a fairer deal for the growers themselves and prioritise high-grade varieties in contrast to the high-yield, low-cost crops encouraged by multinational coffee importers. A social initiative that connects farmers in Northern Malawi and drinkers in the UK. Consider it a farm-to-cup concept.