Going organic in the office? Fantastic. Organic coffee has the power to change the world, and in the last decade has shifted from something that was initially marketed as an optional alternative, to now being called something essential in terms of the greater sustainability of the planet. South Africa has long had access to some incredible options in terms of the best organic coffee suppliers from around the world, but if you’re exploring this for the first time, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the choies. So where should you look to buy organic coffee in South Africa? We’ve got everything you need right here.
What Is Organic Coffee?
Organic coffee is coffee that has been produced without any artificial chemical substances being used, including herbicides, pesticides or harmful additives. These not only harm the people that work in coffee fields around the world, but can also affect the health of a regular coffee consumer in the long run. Organic coffee is produced with no synthetic fertilizers to aid the growing production, which in turn results in cleaner beans, land, water and more. Good old compost (or something similar) is used to create the most authentic coffee beans on the market.
Coffee Unplugged
One prominent organic coffee supplier in South Africa is Coffee Unplugged. Their team is so dedicated to offering 100% organic coffee, that they’ve gone so far as to acquire accreditation from the Ecocert Organic Standard to prove it. Their beans are produced with as little impact on the environment as impossible, and the result is coffee that not only benefits local coffee growers and communities around the world, but tastes pretty good too. For these guys, the proof is certainly in the (organic) pudding.
Peacock Tea & Coffee
Peacock Tea & Coffee is a Capetonian business that has roots stemming back over fifty years. Started back in 1966, the brand has become synonymous with premium teas and coffees, sourced from the best regions around the world. Their roastery is known for the “certified organic range”, which may still be growing, but is showing a lot of great promise. These coffee beans originate in places like Ethiopia, Uganda and Peru, and retail for anywhere from R70 to R100 for 250g. They believe in organic coffee so much that they offer a discount for bulk purchases, encouraging businesses and the general consumer to go organic, rather than forking out their hard-earned cash elsewhere.
Aquaspresso
You only have to take one look at Aquaspresso coffee products to realise that they mean business. Whether you go with Gold, Afican, Origins or Mountain, the Aquaspresso team is serious about a commitment to high quality coffee that is the result of a host of efforts to ensure a sustainable product through a sustainable process. They’re vocal about supermarket coffee being a little cheaper, but this is usually because this kind of due diligence has completely been ignored. If you’re serious about taking your organic coffee efforts to the next level, and you’re looking for a partner along the way, these guys (and their delicious 250g packs) are a good place to start your journey.
