The history
Raw coffee from Malawi
Matenda Coffee Farms have a significantly positive impact on the local community and the environment. Through fair wages and secure jobs, they strengthen the local economy. They promote traditional farming methods and preserve ancient knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Furthermore, the farm is committed to promoting education and building local structures. Through close cooperation and shared goals, they strengthen community cohesion, which should ensure a sustainable and promising future for all involved.
The coffee
Specialty Roasting in Brandenburg
The green coffee from Malawi is processed in cooperation with the small specialty roastery at the Waldstadtrösterei in Eberswalde.
In small batches and using the traditional drum roasting method, roasts are created at 199°C that preserve the fine nuances of the beans and allow their full aroma to unfold.
Two roasts:
- Espresso (Medium Dark Roast): strong, nutty, full-bodied - with a velvety finish
- Filter coffee (Medium Roast): gentle, nutty, slightly malty - ideal for hand filters, French Press, or Pour Over.
The history
The farm
Located at 1500 meters above sea level in the picturesque Viphya Highlands, Matenda Coffee Farm was named after the great-grandfather of the Msowoya family, Matenda Msowoya.
The farm is distinguished by its sustainable farming methods and consistent use of local resources. Its stunning location offers ideal conditions for coffee cultivation, enabling Matenda Coffee Farm to produce high-quality coffee characterized by environmentally friendly practices and social commitment.
The faces behind them
The man who succeeded: Cyrus Msowoya
Cyrus, now 64, founded Matenda Coffee Farms on family land in 2014. Despite the previous failures of his father and great-grandfather (Matenda) in coffee cultivation, Cyrus firmly believed in the success of this venture. He invested considerable time in research and development, particularly in collaboration with his two daughters, to whom he has since transferred ownership of the company.
The faces behind them
The daughters take over: Lizzie & Tawonga Msowoya
I met the two sisters, a power couple, at a farmers' market near the capital, Lilongwe. Lizzie (right) is a doctor, a mother of a young daughter, and manages the business side of the company. Tawonga (left) is a social scientist and works as a gender and development practitioner, advocating for community and gender equality.
The history
The impact
Matenda Coffee Farms have a significantly positive impact on the local community and the environment. Through fair wages and secure jobs, they strengthen the local economy. They promote traditional farming methods and preserve ancient knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Furthermore, the farm is committed to promoting education and building local structures. Through close cooperation and shared goals, they strengthen community cohesion, which should ensure a sustainable and promising future for all involved.