Coffee With Purpose, Not Just Origin
Some coffees are defined by where they are grown.
However, others are defined by who grows them – and why that matters.
This is one of those coffees.
Our Peru Single Origin coffee from UNICAFEC comes from women farmers in San Ignacio, a cooperative committed not only to producing high-quality coffee, but also to building stronger, more equal communities. Importantly, their work is further supported by the Café Femenino Foundation, which helps drive long-term social impact.
From Blend Component to Standalone Coffee
Originally, we did not intend for this coffee to stand alone.
Instead, we sourced it as part of a bespoke blend for one of our partners. We combined it with coffee from Honduras to create a profile tailored specifically for espresso in high-volume hospitality environments.
As a result, that blend allowed us to:
- Maintain flavour while improving cost efficiency
- Build a profile suited for milk-based drinks
- Deliver consistency at scale
However, one thing became clear very quickly.
The Peruvian coffee stood out on its own.
Therefore, we made a decision.
We released it as a single origin, allowing its full character – and its story – to be experienced without compromise.
The UNICAFEC Cooperative: Coffee Driven by Women
This coffee comes from the UNICAFEC cooperative, a close-knit group of around 400 producers in northern Peru.
Within this group, women play a central role.
They:
- Grow and manage the coffee
- Lead much of the cultivation process
- Increasingly take part in ownership and decision-making
At the same time, the cooperative structure supports:
- Full traceability to female growers
- Organic and Fairtrade certification
- Additional premiums directed towards women’s development
As a result, this is not just a sourcing model.
It is a system designed to create opportunity, shift balance, and build long-term sustainability at origin.
More Than Coffee: Why This Matters
Across many coffee-producing regions, women contribute significantly to production.
However, they have historically had limited access to financial recognition and decision-making power.
UNICAFEC actively works to change that.
Through its structure, it supports:
- Land ownership
- Financial independence
- Investment in education and healthcare
- Representation in cooperative decisions
Because of this, coffee becomes more than a product.
It becomes a tool for change.
As Flor Merino, chairman of the women’s committee, explains:
“As a woman and a farmer, I have lots of dreams and goals, but the main ones are to improve my family’s quality of life; to continue improving our processing facilities to obtain a high-quality coffee, both in terms of production and in the cup.”
Supporting Women in Coffee: Beyond the Farm
Importantly, the impact of this coffee extends beyond the cooperative itself.
UNICAFEC works alongside initiatives such as the Café Femenino Foundation, which supports women and families across coffee-producing communities.
Founded in 2004, the foundation was created after recognising the challenges many women faced in coffee-growing regions, including limited rights, lack of access to resources, and social inequality.
Since then, it has supported projects focused on:
- Education and training
- Healthcare and sanitation
- Clean water access
- Income diversification
- Community development
Crucially, these projects are driven by the needs identified by the communities themselves. This ensures that support remains both relevant and sustainable.
As a result, coffee becomes part of a wider system — where quality, sourcing, and social impact are directly connected.
In the Cup: A Balanced, High-Elevation Coffee
Grown at altitudes of up to 1,700 metres, this coffee benefits from ideal growing conditions.
As a result, it delivers a beautifully balanced cup.
Expect:
- A full-bodied, comforting structure
- Notes of chocolate and caramel
- Bright acidity that lifts the profile
- A natural sweetness that carries through the finish
Overall, this is a coffee that feels both approachable and refined.
Built for Versatility
Unlike its original role within a blend, this coffee now performs across multiple brewing methods.
Best enjoyed as:
- Espresso
- Filter
- Cafetière
Additionally, its balance allows it to work equally well with:
- Black coffee
- Milk-based drinks
- Alternative milk options
Therefore, it fits naturally into modern coffee menus.
Why We Chose to Showcase It
By releasing this coffee as a single origin, we are able to do more than we could within a blend.
We can:
- Tell the full story
- Highlight the producers
- Showcase the true character of the coffee
You will also notice the UNICAFEC cooperative logo on the packaging.
This is intentional.
We believe partnerships like this should be visible, not hidden.
Part of the Caffeine Coffee Range
This coffee forms part of our evolving retail range.
Specifically, it has been designed to:
- Bring specialty coffee into the home
- Support partners with premium offerings
- Reflect both quality and transparency
Available as:
- 200g retail bags
- Wholesale for partners, supported by POS materials and education
Conclusion: Coffee That Connects
This is not just a Peruvian single origin.
Instead, it is a coffee that connects:
- Product to people
- Origin to impact
- Quality to purpose
Ultimately, it represents what coffee can be when it is sourced with intention.
Peru Single Origin nowavailable to buy here
Interested in stocking it? Enquire here
