Collaboration with Allies-High Lands Small Farms of Guatemala
Taiwan has maintained friendly interactions with its allies in Central and South America. With the assistance of the government, TSC has been importing coffee beans from Central and South America to Taiwan for sales since 2017. By the end of 2023, approximately 310 tonnes of coffee beans had been imported. One of our allied nations, Guatemala, boasts naturally fertile soil conducive to coffee cultivation, particularly in areas with elevations ranging from 1300 to 2000 meters. The high-altitude climate and volcanic ash soil contribute to the production of high-quality coffee beans in Guatemala. Furthermore, Guatemala has enjoyed a longstanding diplomatic relationship with Taiwan since the 1930s. Building on this foundation, TSC, in alignment with national policies, procured 18 tonnes of Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee beans from Guatemala in 2023. It is estimated that we will import approximately 25 tonnes of Guatemalan coffee beans annually in the future. We will continue to assess the feasibility of purchasing coffee beans from other regions of Guatemala.
Since 2018, TSC has been allocating a portion of its coffee product's revenue (approximately 3%) to build three schools in rural areas of Honduras where the coffee is originally sourced. To continue the spirit of philanthropy in coffee: "One cup of coffee, one blessing, one hope," we are currently in contact with local non-profit organizations in Guatemala to identify the needs for school construction in rural areas and assess the feasibility of donating to build schools there.
"High Lands Small Farms Coffee - Guatemala Antigua" focuses on coffee grounds, drip coffee bags, and coffee beans. This selection is sourced from a single high-altitude region, benefiting 61 small-scale farmers in the highlands of Antigua. In 2023, our company procured Guatemalan Rainforest Alliance certified coffee beans, which accounted for 0.9% of the total annual food procurement budget of the Marketing Business Division. The High Lands Small Farms Coffee underwent roasting degree testing and product tasting evaluations, and it was launched in December 2023. From January 1st to 7th each month in 2024, passengers on HSR can also enjoy this coffee. The distribution channels include TSC's own stores and major retail outlets (Carrefour, RT-Mart, and A-Mart). We are also in talks with large corporations to use TSC's coffee beans and offering complimentary coffee machines as an incentive. Through the affordable pricing of premium coffee, TSC aims to increase sales volume and ensure that Guatemalan small farmers can directly profit from their labor, avoiding exploitation by middlemen.