Rave Coffee to release Colombia Corozal in celebration of 1% for the Planet commitment

Rave Coffee has announced the release of Colombia Corozal No. 112 on Monday 19 April, a high latitude, hand harvested, naturally processed coffee specially selected to celebrate the online roastery joining 1% for the Planet. Produced by the Smallholders of Villamaria in the Colombian municipality of Chinchiná, this coffee represents the striking impact of climate change on growing regions around the world.

As temperatures rise, farmers are being forced to find ever higher locations to provide the conditions required for Arabica coffee beans, with the Smallholders of Villamaria now growing at altitudes of 2,000-2,100 metres in an area known as Tierra Fria, meaning ‘cold lands’. While the highlands of Corozal are now perfect for cultivating high quality Arabica coffee, studies have predicted that around half of the current land used for Arabica production will be unsuitable by 2050, endangering livelihoods and the future of the coffee industry as a whole.

Access to water, soil quality and rising global temperatures continue to impact on each area’s potential for coffee cultivation, but producers like the Smallholders of Villamaria are starting to innovate. Fresh thinking has resulted in new variations of lesser known processing methods, designed to conserve natural resources and ensure the economic survival of these communities.

Working with Rave’s longstanding partners, the Red Association, these growers deliver ripe cherries to the centralised Jamaica Dry Mill, where the whole cherries are left to dry and ferment undisturbed, using the Natural Process. Saving the need for the huge quantities of water required by the commonly used Washed Process, the bulk natural processing also facilitates the consistency required for international trade.

Packing a punch of wild fruit flavour and floral notes, delivering cassis, blueberry jam and lavender on the palate, the Colombia Corozal No. 112 showcases what can be achieved through this innovative approach to processing, while benefiting farmers and reducing the environmental impact on the growing region.

As a signed up member of 1% for the Planet, Rave Coffee will donate 1% of all sales to environmental causes, regardless of whether it makes a profit. Rave’s chosen charities are Fauna & Flora International, the world's oldest international wildlife conservation organisation, One Tree Planted, a non-profit environmental charity on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees, and Project Waterfall, a charity that brings clean water, sanitation and education to coffee-growing communities across the world.