We are passionate about connecting you to the finest coffee, sourced directly from farmers who put heart and soul into every bean.
Our Story
In today's world, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual that fuels the start of countless mornings around the globe. In fact, statistics show that over 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide, underscoring the importance of this cherished commodity. However, behind this thriving coffee culture lies a complex supply chain, often challenged by issues like inconsistent supply and unequal compensation for producers.
At Marafiki Coffee Marketing, we recognized the need for change. We saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between Tanzanian coffee producers and international buyers in a way that ensures both constant availability and fair compensation. Our name, "Marafiki," means "friends" in Swahili, reflecting our commitment to fostering friendly, transparent, and equitable partnerships between the two extremes involved.
We are dedicated to creating a coffee chain that benefits everyone—from the farmers who cultivate and harvest each bean, to the buyers who appreciate quality coffee. By facilitating direct trade, promoting sustainability, and ensuring fair prices, we help producers thrive while keeping the global coffee supply flowing. Because we believe that great coffee makes great days, and everyone deserves at least one perfect cup to start theirs.
As we grew, so did our commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices and uplifting the communities that make our coffee possible. Today, Marafiki Coffee Marketing is a trusted bridge between small-scale farmers and coffee lovers worldwide. We take pride in sharing these distinct, carefully cultivated flavors, knowing that each sip brings you closer to the people and lands that make our coffee exceptional.
Our Values
Transparency
At Rafiki Coffee Marketing, we understand that lasting partnerships are built on trust. Thats why transparency is at the core of our operations. We prioritize open and honest communication between all stakeholders in the coffee value chain, ensuring clarity and accountability at every stage. By fostering this level of transparency, we not only build strong business relationships but also cultivate long-term partnerships that reflect the true meaning of 'rafiki'—friends and trusted allies.
Sustainability
One thing that every serious business aims to is a sustainable one! We are dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible farming practices. Through regular farm visits with our team of agronomists, we work directly with producers to implement sustainable methods that protect the environment and enhance productivity. We assist farmers, cooperatives, and private estates in achieving eco-friendly certifications such as fair trade organic, Rain Forest Alliance, JAS certified certification which not only contribute to environmental conservation but also increase the market value of their coffee, ensuring long-term success and profitability for future generations.
Quality
Because coffee is our main business, quality is our top priority. We really value everything it takes to bring up the best quality coffee. Before any coffee bean is shipped, our expert quality controllers rigorously oversee the process. Pre-loading samples are randomly drawn from multiple points around the stack, ensuring a thorough and representative sampling. During the loading phase, we extract samples from 100% of the bags, eliminating any chance of sampling errors. Each sample undergoes comprehensive analysis to ensure it meets the specified quality. To further safeguard against discrepancies or claims, we retain these samples for three months, offering our buyers the assurance of full traceability. Upon request, we can seal the samples, underscoring our commitment to both transparency and excellence.
Fair Trade
It takes a lot of expertise to produce the high-quality beans that end up as your favorite cup of coffee. But the life of the smallholder coffee farmer behind your morning brew is far from easy. 90% of the Tanzanian coffee comes from the small holder farmers, they're the engine of the coffee production in Tanzania just like other parts of the world. Unfortunately, due to coffee price volatility & ongoing challenges of climate crisis small holder farmers have to struggle with lower incomes. It is for this reason that we advocate for fair trade and most of our producers are now Fair Trade Certified. By choosing Fairtrade certified coffee, you know that the beans are grown using fair trade rigorous standards, which support farmers and their communities and help protect the environment.
Diversity & Inclusion
We embrace the diversity of our producers, buyers, and partners, recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives each brings to the coffee industry. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of their background—feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. By working with farmers of all scales, cooperatives, and international buyers, we create a coffee supply chain that reflects unity and collaboration. A good coffee chain is created when equity, inclusion, and diversity become part of who we are, not just as individuals but as a collective force!
Environment and People
We believe that the success of the coffee industry relies on the harmony between people and the environment. Marafiki Coffee Marketing promotes environmentally responsible farming practices to ensure the preservation of ecosystems while improving livelihoods. Through partnerships with agronomists and sustainable certifications like Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance, we support coffee producers in implementing eco-friendly practices that safeguard the land for future generations.
Innovation
Innovation drives our approach to building a sustainable and competitive coffee value chain to effectively meet unforeseen consumer preferences. From modernizing procurement processes to embracing technology in quality control, logistics, and market analysis, we continually seek new solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and profitability for our producers and buyers. Our commitment to innovation ensures that Tanzanian coffee maintains its reputation for quality while meeting evolving global market demands.
Partners
These partnerships enable us to support our producers in achieving eco-friendly certifications and fair trade status, which not only enhances the value of their coffee but also promotes sustainable farming practices. By aligning with these globally respected entities, Marafiki Coffee Marketing strengthens its dedication to transparency, fair compensation, and environmental stewardship across the coffee supply chain. Together with our partners, we work toward a shared mission: building a coffee trade that benefits both people and the planet, from the farm to the final cup.
Our trusted Partners
Impact
Empowering Women & Ensuring Inclusivity
We believe that a sustainable coffee industry is one where everyone has a voice. Marafiki Coffee Marketing proudly champions gender equality by working closely with women producers, ensuring they have equal access to resources, decision-making, and market opportunities. More women have been enrolled in farmer's AMCOSes for a better representative workforce. We pioneer inclusivity across our supply chain, supporting diverse communities and providing a platform for all growers to thrive and contribute to the future of coffee.
Innovating for a Climate-Resilient Future
In the face of climate change, we know that every step toward eco-friendly farming counts. Through our agronomists, we implement innovative, eco-conscious farming practices that help our producers mitigate environmental impact. Emphasis to organic soil management, investing in methods that reduce our carbon footprint is our top priority for the better future of our environment and coffee.
Adhering to EUDR Standards for Sustainable Trade
Sustainability is not just an ideal; it's a commitment we live by. As we expand to international markets, we strongly emphasize our producers to fully adhere to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards, ensuring our coffee is traceable and sustainably sourced. This strict compliance reassures our partners that Marafiki coffee is not only of the highest quality but also meets the standards required for a sustainable future. Our impact is woven into every aspect of our business, driving meaningful change and ensuring that our work benefits the people, places, and ecosystems behind every cup. We aim to build a coffee industry rooted in integrity, where each sip is a step toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant world.