This single-origin coffee from Kenya is produced by the Thiririka Farmers Cooperative Society, specifically from the Githembe factory. It is cultivated by 1500 local smallholders in Kiambu County at altitudes of 1600-1800 meters. The coffee is grown in clay loam soil and features SL-28, SL-34, and Batian varieties. It undergoes washed processing with wet fermentation. Harvested from October to December, this AA grade coffee exhibits vibrant and tart acidity with a sweet floral aftertaste. Flavor notes include gooseberry, green apple, and blackcurrant.
Kiss the Hippo launched in 2018 as London's first carbon negative coffee roastery. Every coffee they sell is certified organic by the Soil Association and certified carbon negative, with reforestation projects in Colombia, Madagascar, Zambia, and Nepal through a partnership with Swiss nonprofit On A Mission. They pay farmers at least 50% above Fair Trade prices, often double. The roastery has won the UK Barista Championships three times, with victories by Joshua Tarlo in 2018, Paul Ross in 2019, and Paul Ross again in 2020 and now supplies seven London café locations. Sustainability extends to fully compostable pods, recyclable packaging, a Living Wage commitment, and a partnership with bio bean that turns used grounds into biofuels.
