Nigel, Suma’s Coffee Buyer, Spills the Beans!

What does your role involve, and how do you source coffee?
I ensure Suma’s coffee is ethically and sustainably sourced. We work with co-operatives and farmers who share our values—fair pay, environmental care, and quality. We assess farming practices, select the best beans, and ship them to the UK, where they’re small-batch roasted for maximum flavour.

Tell us about the new packaging.
It’s designed to tell the coffee’s story—its origins, the people behind it, and the journey from farm to cup. It also features clear flavour profiles and is fully recyclable, reflecting our sustainability commitment.

Why highlight the story behind the coffee?
Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s about people, places, and passion. Many of our customers care about where their coffee comes from, so we wanted to share that journey.

What makes Suma coffee special?
Ethical sourcing, quality beans, and careful roasting. As a worker co-op, we make decisions based on values, not profits.

How important are Fairtrade and Organic certifications?
They ensure growers are paid fairly and encourage sustainable farming. Fairtrade premiums have funded community projects, from schools to quality-testing labs.

What do you look for when selecting coffee?
Beyond flavour, we prioritise sustainability, fair pay, and consistency. Ethical sourcing improves both quality and taste.

Favourite Suma coffee?
Our Peruvian coffee—smooth, chocolatey, and perfect for an afternoon boost.

Anything else?
A huge thank you for supporting ethical trade with every cup!