Press Releases

Counter Culture offers new fair trade coffee from Karaba, Rwanda
03/27/2006

Durham, NC – Counter Culture Coffee today announced the availability of a unique new Fair Trade-certified coffee from the recently formed Koakaka co-op of Karaba, Rwanda. Available now to wholesale and retail customers, the 100% Bourbon coffee produces a rich, balanced cup highlighted by flavors of tropical fruit, molasses, and savory undertones.

Led by local initiatives such as the Koakaka co-op, Rwanda is striving to restore social order and rebuild an economy torn to ruins by genocide and civil war. In turn, coffee has become an economic lifeline to the nation. Koakaka will use profits from this year’s crop to build a medical clinic and create a health insurance system for its members, both rarities in Rwanda.

“Counter Culture has established a strong, personal relationship with the Koakaka co-op,” said Counter Culture Director of Coffee Peter Giuliano, who has made several trips to the region. “Together, we are working to develop the best in Rwandan coffee, which we hope will spark the local economy and help improve the quality of life in Karaba.”

As Rwandan growers continue to improve growing and processing techniques, Giuliano predicts that the country will produce some of the most spectacular coffees in the world this year.

“The future looks very bright for Rwandan coffee, and this latest lot from Koakaka is a real treasure,” said Giuliano. “Sweet, savory and gently fruity, it deserves to be cherished and appreciated by everyone who loves great coffee.”

As with all the company’s single-origin, whole-bean coffees and blends, Counter Culture guarantees that all orders will be shipped the same day they are roasted.

Founded in 1995, Durham, NC-based Counter Culture Coffee roasts and sells premium specialty coffees to high-end restaurants, gourmet stores, coffee shops, groceries, and directly to consumers. Approximately 70% of the company’s coffee is Fair Trade™ certified, organic, or both. Counter Culture Coffee was named ROAST magazine’s Roaster of the Year in November 2004. For more information or to order coffee, please visit www.counterculturecoffee.com.