At Voyager Coffee, we believe that every cup of coffee tells a story. Our latest offering from Timor Leste is no exception. This coffee, sourced from the suco (village) of Koileki in the Emera region, is not just a testament to the quality of coffee from this emerging nation, but also a symbol of resilience and community-driven progress. Sourced through Raw Material, a company dedicated to improving the lives of coffee producers, we are excited to share the unique journey of this coffee with you.
Timor Leste: A Nation’s New Beginning
Timor Leste, also known as East Timor, occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor, sharing the island with Indonesian West Timor. It can be found in Southeast Asia situated between Indonesia, Papa New Guinea, and Australia. Gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, Timor Leste is one of the world’s youngest countries, having endured decades of conflict and economic challenges. Today, the nation faces a future without the financial safety net of its oil reserves, which are in decline. As the country looks to new economic opportunities, coffee has emerged as a crucial export, offering a sustainable path forward for many of its communities. With around 37% of households relying on coffee for income, the crop plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. Timor Leste’s unique geography, with its volcanic soils, stable rainfall, and mild climate, provides the perfect conditions for coffee cultivation. The high-altitude regions, such as Emera, are particularly well-suited for growing great coffee, making Timor Leste an exciting origin for specialty coffee.
Revitalising Coffee Production in Timor Leste
Coffee production in Timor Leste is more than a source of income; it is playing a crucial role in community development, providing economic stability, and creating new opportunities for farmers and their families. Smallholder farmers often work in cooperatives, with coffee-growing deeply embedded in the culture and community of rural areas.
However, the sector faces significant challenges, including low productivity, fluctuating market prices, and limited infrastructure. Social enterprises like Raw Material are at the forefront of efforts to overcome these obstacles. Raw Material works closely with local communities in regions like Emera to improve coffee quality, build connections between producers and international markets, and reinvest profits back into the coffee-growing communities. Through these initiatives, Raw Material helps create more stable and sustainable livelihoods for farmers, ensuring that the benefits of coffee production are felt where they are most needed. The partnership between these communities and supportive organisations is transforming the coffee landscape in Timor Leste. By focusing on education, quality control, and sustainable farming practices, these initiatives are empowering local farmers and raising the profile of Timor Leste on the global coffee stage.
A Unique Coffee Origin: The People and Practices
The coffee culture in Timor Leste is shaped by the hands of its people. Many farms are family-run, with generations working together to grow and process coffee. Traditional methods, such as hand-picking ripe cherries and drying them naturally on raised beds, have been passed down through generations, deeply woven into the fabric of community life and coffee culture in Timor Leste. Coffee processing stations, like the one in Raimutin built by Raw Material in 2018, serve as hubs for both coffee production and community engagement. These facilities not only improve the quality of the coffee but also offer training and support to farmers, enhancing the skills needed to thrive in the specialty coffee market. In high-altitude villages like Koileki, coffee growers carefully manage each step of production, from hand-sorting cherries to ensure only the best are selected, to meticulously drying them in the sun to enhance natural sweetness and complexity. These practices result in coffees that are unique, vibrant, and reflective of the varied landscape of Timor Leste.
Experience Timor Leste Coffee at Voyager
We are proud to bring you a taste of Timor Leste with our latest offering, sourced from the village of Koileki in the Emera region. This natural coffee has flavours of blackcurrant, cranberry, and creamy vanilla. It’s more than just a delicious cup; it’s a connection to a nation’s journey toward growth and sustainability. We love sourcing and roasting remarkable origins for you to taste and try it for yourself.
Find our Timor Leste Coffee Here: Timor Leste | Koileki