About Us
Koru - New Beginings
Koru is a spiral shape inspired by the newly unfurling fern frond. It is a Maori symbol representing new beginnings, growth, strength and peace. The spiral shape, is a powerful symbol of the emergence of new beginnings.
Koru Coffee indeed embodies the spirit of new beginnings. From the dedicated co-operative Colombian farmers who carefully grow the organic coffee beans, to the eco-friendly transportation by sailboat to Europe, every step in the supply chain is designed to be sustainable and planet-friendly.
Ultimately, this results in delivering beautiful, tasty coffee for everyone to enjoy. It’s a wonderful example of how businesses can be both environmentally conscious and provide high-quality products.
Koru Coffee: Where Tradition and Sustainability Come Together
- At Koru Coffee we believe in new beginnings to drive a new way of coffee supply to the UK, focused on environmental harmony – exactly as the koru from nature symbolises. Our coffee beans make a unique journey: from the lush coffee plantations in Colombia to Europe, CO2-neutral, transported by our majestic sailing ship, the two-masted Ide Min.
- Each cup of Koru Coffee tells a story of sustainability and dedication. From farmer to sea and from sea to you: we are committed to a cleaner planet and the best flavours. Together we are building a future in which enjoying coffee goes hand in hand with caring for the world.
- Discover Koru Coffee – honest coffee with a touch of adventure.
Koru Coffee collaborates with ASO SEYNEKUN
An Indigenous Cooperative from the Sierra Nevada for organic coffee production.
The coffee is grown by ASO SEYNEKUN, an association of indigenous Arhuaco families from Pueblo Bello, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – a mountain eco system where all climate zones coexist and ancient agricultural traditions have been preserved.
While the cooperative is not currently certified Fairtrade International, it was previously FLO-certified and its social and environmental commitments remain strong and visible through these activities.
You can follow them here
Honouring Our Partnership with the Arhuaco Seynekun
Community
At Koru Coffee, every cup begins with a story of stewardship, tradition, and deep respect for the Earth. Our beans are grown by the Seynekun Indigenous families, part of the Arhuaco people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta—one of the most spiritually significant and biodiverse mountain regions on the planet. Their philosophy centres on harmony with nature, and this guides every step of their farming practices.
Rooted in Ancestral, Organic Farming
The Seynekun community cultivates high‑altitude Arabica
using ancestral, organic, and regenerative methods. These include
shade-grown agroforestry, careful hand‑picking, natural composting, and the protection of sacred water sources—farming that reflects their worldview of the Sierra Nevada as the “Heart of the World.”
Their coffee regularly cups 83–84.5 SCA, offering a clean, sweet, complex profile shaped by volcanic soils and forest canopy.
A Direct Partnership with Meaningful Impact
Our relationship with the Seynekun farmers is built on direct
trade and fairness, ensuring that the community receives sustainable
compensation that supports:
- Cultural and ecological preservation
- Land conservation
- Education and youth leadership programmes
- Traditional knowledge and community-led development
This aligns with the broader mission of organisations such as ASOSEYNEKUN, representing hundreds of Arhuaco families dedicated to responsible coffee cultivation and community well-being.
Sustainable Transport from Mountain to Sea
Once harvested, the beans begin a slow, intentional journey
from the Sierra Nevada to the Caribbean coast—mirroring the community’s respect for nature. From there, they are shipped to Europe by wind‑powered sailboat, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional shipping. This unites Indigenous ecological values with our commitment to sustainable logistics.
Why This Matters
The Arhuaco people view themselves as guardians of Mother Earth.
Through their coffee, they share a message of balance, responsibility,
and coexistence—reminding the world that progress should never come at nature’s expense. Their work embodies a powerful truth: great coffee can be a force for cultural resilience, ecological protection, and global connection.
A Cup with Purpose
When you choose Koru Coffee, you’re not just choosing exceptional flavour—you’re supporting:
- Ancestral farming wisdom
- Fair and transparent trade
- Regenerative agriculture
- Sail-powered, low-impact transport
- Indigenous leadership and community growth
Together, we can build a coffee future rooted in reciprocity, respect, and regeneration.
Social Impact
- Education & Anti-Child Labour: ASO SEYNEKUN has built school infrastructure and provided materials to prevent child labor in isolated areas, with support from Tchibo and Expocafé.
- Clean Water & Sanitation: Installation of community bathrooms and septic systems has improved hygiene and living conditions.
- Women’s Empowerment & Youth Leadership: Women are involved in decision-making, and the coop organizes training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming for both women and young producers.
Environmental Practices
- Programs on soil analysis, reforestation, water conservation, and carbon capture have been developed to enhance both climate resilience and biodiversity.
- These initiatives were implemented with or without formal certification, reflecting a genuine grassroots approach.
Social Impact
- Education & Anti-Child Labour: ASO SEYNEKUN has built school infrastructure and provided materials to prevent child labor in isolated areas, with support from Tchibo and Expocafé.
- Clean Water & Sanitation: Installation of community bathrooms and septic systems has improved hygiene and living conditions.
- Women’s Empowerment & Youth Leadership: Women are involved in decision-making, and the coop organizes training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming for both women and young producers.
Environmental Practices
- Programs on soil analysis, reforestation, water conservation, and carbon capture have been developed to enhance both climate resilience and biodiversity.
- These initiatives were implemented with or without formal certification, reflecting a genuine grassroots approach.