Kindred Forest | Journal

What’s happening in craft cacao & why it matters to you

We were at Chocoa in Amsterdam, the world's leading craft chocolate trade show. Here's what's moving in cacao right now!

On the hunt for rare Colombian microlots

Here is something truly special from Colombia’s southern Pacific regions. We’ve traveled there in person to take part at a regional festival and auctions, carefully selecting exceptional, award-winning microlots from remote, conflict-affected communities. Purchased directly from farmers, including women, these coffees celebrate the remarkable diversity and unique character Cauca has to offer.

Introducing our Wildlife Friendly coffees, protecting threatened ecosystems

As part of our mission to preserve ecosystems and cultures, we are proud to unveil our collection of single-origin, Wildlife Friendly® certified Indonesian and Colombian specialty coffees. Sourced directly from threatened tropical forest ecosystems and crafted in direct collaboration with farmers, conservation projects and the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network, the collection demonstrates a model of direct trade where every cup tangibly supports endangered species through evidence-based conservation.

Beyond “Direct” Trade

The phrase "direct trade" is everywhere these days. It’s used so loosely that it’s at risk of losing meaning. Everyone seems to be direct trade, but what does it actually involve? Drawing on our recent sourcing trips in Bolivia and Colombia, we explore what direct engagement looks like in practice, why it matters, and the challenges it brings.

The Centuries-Old Cacao of Huila

Read a story from Katya's diary of the ancient cacao from Huila, where native hybrid varieties grow side by side in diverse forest groves. After an ecological disaster nearly wiped all these out, local farmers took it into their own hands to preserve this unique cacao heritage.

Auction for Peace and the Coffee Situation in Cauca

Cauca boasts some of Colombia's best and most desired coffees, but it's also one of the most challenging regions due to longstanding conflict. We set out to source the region’s finest coffees, aware of the role that coffee could play in Cauca’s transition toward peace.

Andean Bear Friendly Coffee

Join us on a journey to El Águila, one of Colombia’s most enchanting coffee landscapes. These farms are not only rich in biodiversity, but also showcase how wildlife-friendly farming can elevate coffee to the specialty level.

Artist Waldo Urazayegua

Meet Waldo Urazayegua from Urubichá, an incredibly talented indigenous artist who we have had the pleasure of collaborating with for our Wild Bolivian Chocolate.

Artist Hendra Arkan

Meet Hendra Arkan from Yogyakarta, Indonesia – the artist behind a series of illustrations displayed on our coffee packaging. He beautifully mingles traditional cultural motifs with the modern medium and style to tell the fascinating story of the origins of our coffee.

Why Wildlife Matters: The Tangible Benefits of Biodiversity

Did you know that the loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet, with direct implications for human health, food security, and climate stability? Recent studies show that protecting wildlife is not merely about saving nature; it’s essential for ensuring our survival.