By Cath Isabedra

Going on a journey to explore the roots of coffee took me on an adventure from Singapore to Indonesia. The adventure begins in the bustling heart of ofi’s office, where the culmination of coffee sourcing, processing, and taste refinement efforts takes place.  

Here, amidst professionals dedicated to the craft, one gets the first taste of the end product: a coffee that encapsulates the essence of its origin, the skill in its processing, and the art in its brewing.  

This initial tasting transcended beyond enjoying a cup of coffee. It gave me a full understanding of the story it tells — a story that we’re about to trace back to its very beginning. 

Trip to Indonesia: Tracing the Roots of Coffee 

After the enlightening experience at ofi, the journey turns more intimate as we meander through the streets to visit specialty coffee shops. Each shop offers a unique interpretation of coffee, highlighting the versatility and rich flavor profiles that can be achieved.  

These establishments, run by passionate baristas and coffee aficionados, serve as bridges between the final product and its origins. They often source their beans from specific farms, including those in the picturesque mountains of Aceh Province, ensuring that each cup carries a piece of the story from the soil to the sip.  

The conversations here are rich with tales of sourcing, the importance of sustainability, and the art of coffee making, setting the stage for the next leg of our journey. 

Exploring Bener Meriah 

The call of the coffee farm in the remote mountains of Aceh Province beckons, promising a deep dive into the beginning of coffee’s journey. The travel to Aceh is a long one, marked by anticipation and the scenic beauty of Indonesia.  

Upon arrival, the lush greenery of the coffee plantations stretches out as far as the eye can see, a stark contrast to the urban environments where we began our adventure. 

Here, in the tranquil highlands, coffee cherries thrive in the rich volcanic soil, nurtured by the hands of skilled farmers who have been guardians of these lands for generations. 

Walking through the coffee farm, the connection between the land, the people, and the coffee plants becomes evident.  

The farmers share their knowledge and passion, explaining the meticulous care that goes into cultivating the cherries, the importance of harvesting at just the right moment, and the traditional methods used to process the beans.  

This direct interaction with the source provides a profound understanding of the complexities involved in coffee production, the challenges faced by farmers, and the impact of environmental factors on the crop. 

A Deep Connection and Commitment to Sustainability 

As we delve deeper into the narrative of tracing coffee’s journey from the final cup back to its roots, ofi’s commitment to sustainability becomes a central theme, illuminating the path from the bustling office to the serene mountains of Aceh Province. This commitment is not just a part of the corporate ethos but a palpable force in how they interact with the world of coffee, particularly in their engagement with the coffee farmers. 

ofi’s approach to sustainability is holistic, focusing not just on environmental aspects but also on the social and economic well-being of the coffee farming communities. This commitment is evident in their direct engagement with the farmers in Aceh Province, where they go beyond mere transactions to foster genuine partnerships. ofi recognizes that the cornerstone of sustainability in coffee production lies in education and empowerment.  

Hence, they invest in comprehensive training programs for the farmers, covering best practices in sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil conservation. These programs aim to enhance crop yield and quality while ensuring that farming techniques contribute to the health of the land rather than deplete it. 

Moreover, ofi’s sustainability efforts include initiatives to improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers and their communities. Understanding that economic stability is crucial for sustainable practices to take root, ofi works to ensure fair compensation for the coffee produced.  

They also support projects aimed at community development, thereby reinforcing the link between sustainable coffee farming and the community’s overall well-being. 

By engaging and educating coffee farmers, ofi is pivotal in promoting sustainable practices within the industry. This commitment is a testament to their understanding that the future of coffee—its quality, availability, and the health of the ecosystems it comes from—depends on the choices made today.  

Through these actions, ofi contributes to the preservation of the environment and ensures that the coffee industry can thrive for generations to come, making sustainability an integral part of the journey from bean to cup. 

Brewing a Better Future 

The journey from ofi’s office to the specialty coffee shops and finally to the coffee farm in Aceh Province is a narrative of discovery, appreciation, and connection. It’s a story that highlights the journey of coffee from bean to cup, emphasizing the importance of each step in the chain and the collective efforts required to produce the coffee we cherish.  

This adventure into the world of coffee deepens our appreciation for the beverage and fosters a greater understanding of the global community involved in bringing it to our tables. 

This story first came out in our “Innovation and the Art of Mouthfeel” issue.