Thailand Mae Chedi Anaerobic Natural

The Mae Chedi Cooperative consists of 19 coffee farmers located in the Mae Chedi district of Chiang Rai, Thailand. Traditionally, Mae Chedi has been known for its tea plantations, with tea remaining the primary cash crop in the area. However, as demand for specialty coffee from Thailand grows, the younger generation of farmers in Mae Chedi are increasingly investing in coffee production. These co-op members are an innovative group, leveraging their knowledge of tea fermentation practices to introduce new fermentation techniques into their coffee production process.

Coffee farming in Thailand is a relatively new industry, attracting the attention of young farmers and entrepreneurs. The country's coffee history began in the 1970s, when an opium eradication project introduced the first coffee trees.

In 2007, a distinctive local coffee variety called 'Chiang Mai 80' was introduced. This variety is a clever hybrid of Catimor, known for its good yields and resistance to coffee leaf rust, and SL28, which is celebrated for its exceptional cup quality.

This lot underwent a special fermentation process, where the cherries were sealed in bags and fermented for nine days before being dried. This extended fermentation time is similar to the techniques used in tea production in the region. The airtight bags create an anaerobic environment that encourages the production of lactic acid, which enhances the coffee’s body, sweetness, and intense fruit flavors.

This coffee was sourced by Beanspire Coffee, an exporter founded by Fuadi Pitsuwan and Jane Kittiratanapaiboon. Both are part of the younger generation that is driving the Thai coffee industry forward. Thailand is unique in the coffee world: its specialty cafe and roaster scene is thriving, and domestic demand for coffee often outpaces the country’s production. Around 95% of Thailand’s specialty coffee is consumed domestically, with only about 5% being exported.

We treasure our relationships in the global coffee community and invest in projects at origin to support our partners in their commitment to environmental sustainability and social welfare. We also invest in reducing our day-to-day impact, through initiatives like energy-efficient Loring Smart Roasters to reduce carbon emissions per batch by 80%.

As a certified B Corporation, we are a leader in sustainable practices that impact people and the planet. This third-party certification requires us to demonstrate transparency and accountability throughout our supply chain and quantify the impact our business creates for our employees, the community, and the environment. We are proud to be part of this community working together toward one unifying goal: using business as a force for good.