1999
Founded
20+
Roaster Partners
5M+
Lbs of Green Coffee Imported Yearly
$150M+
Paid to Farmer Co-ops and Small Farmers
From 1999-2026

Our Journey

Before 1999

Small Farmers, Big Barriers

Small farmers faced low prices and limited access to market.

Founding 7

Seven Roasters, One Idea

Seven visionary roasters came together with a new idea: buy directly from farmers.

First Container

The First Direct Import

We purchased our first container of coffee together, proving the model worked.

Today

A Thriving Co-op

23 members importing 5M+ lbs annually, supporting farmers worldwide.

How Cooperative Coffees Works

  • 1. SMALL FARMERS

    Small-scale producers grow exceptional coffee, often on one or two hectares of land.

  • 2. FARMER CO-OPS

    Farmers join cooperatives to improve quality, share resources, access processing equipment, and market their coffee more effectively.

  • 3. COOPERATIVE COFFEES

    Roaster members commit to purchasing specific coffees, creating stable demand and long-term relationships with producers.

  • 4. YOU

    Every cup supports a sourcing model built around transparency, sustainability, and farmer prosperity.

A NEW BUSINESS MODEL

A Better Way To Source Coffee

Cooperative Coffees was created when a group of independent roasters—including Bongo Java—decided there had to be a better way to connect coffee farmers and coffee drinkers. Rather than relying on traditional importing systems, they built a cooperative owned by its members and focused on long-term partnerships with farming communities.

Explore Our Story

Stronger Together

By combining purchasing power, independent roasters can buy directly from small-scale producer groups, pay prices above standard Fair Trade rates, and support farmers transitioning to organic production. The cooperative structure creates benefits for both producers and roasters while keeping more value in farming communities.

Explore Our Story

OUR IMPACT

  • ABOVE FAIR TRADE PRICING

    We purchase coffee at prices that exceed standard Fair Trade minimums, helping farmers earn more for their work.

  • ORGANIC COMMITMENT

    Every coffee we source through Cooperative Coffees is organically grown, supporting healthier ecosystems and farming communities.

  • LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS

    Many of our producer partnerships have lasted for decades, creating stability for both farmers and roasters.

  • FARMER SUPPORT

    We support producers transitioning to organic certification and have helped cover certification-related costs when needed.

  • SHARED SUCCESS

    The cooperative model ensures that value created through coffee sourcing is shared among the people who make it possible.