Cooperativá Café Timor

Our story with Atsabe began in 2009, when Dean’s Beans became the first roaster to source coffee directly from this remote community. What started as a trading partnership has grown into a true relationship built on trust and shared purpose. Together, we’ve supported schools, youth programs that open doors to opportunity, and rural health clinics that provide life-saving care. 

Group of people standing outside a clinic building with 'Clinic Cafe Unior Malabe' sign.

During our visit to Timor in the fall of 2023 we visited nearby Malabe, where the one small clinic is a lifeline for farming families who once had to travel hours for even the most basic treatment. By walking alongside the farmers of Atsabe since 2009, we’re working together on real solutions that strengthen the community today, and for generations to come. 

women and children waiting at the clinic

Coffee from East Timor has a flavor all its own, spicy, with a lively hint of acidity and rich chocolate tones. It’s a taste that reflects the rugged mountains where it is shade grown, and the strength of the farmers who cultivate it. Coffee grows almost wild here, tall and scraggly, with some plants almost 75 years old! 

a budding coffee tree

This Coffee's History

2004
Medicine for Rural Clinics (CCT)
  • Distributed medicine to doctors and paramedics. 
  • Funding commitment: $5,000 
2009
Make Coffee Not War

Spread knowledge of how the world coffee communities operate. 

2009
Recording Studio (CCT)
  • Worked to establish a recording studio for Timorese musicians. 
  • Also worked toward a farmer-owned and -operated café/roastery. 
2009
Soccer Ball Project (CCT)
  • Provided 200 fair trade soccer balls for President's Youth Anti-Violence initiative. 
  • Gave young Timorese their first insight into progressive business and hope. 
2009
Atsabe Village Empowerment (CCT)
  • Forged first direct coffee industry relationship with a village in the country. 
  • Allowed villagers to share in development and bred accountability. 
  • Promoted sustainability and improved standard of living. 
2012 - ongoing
Education Support (CCT)
  • Providing computers, computer training, school supplies, and language instruction to Atsabe High School. 
  • Funding commitment to date: $12,590 
2020
COVID-19 Relief (CCT)
  • Funded COVID-19 measures and supplies in 8 clinics, 28 mobile clinics, and coffee drying fields and processing facilities - reaching 900 workers per day. 
  • Clinics provided free primary health care services to 25,600 co-op members and the general public.  
  • Funding: $4,000 
2022
Computer Education Project (CCT)

Computers and other essential resources for four schools in the Atsabe Region

Funding commitment to date - $5100

2024
Atsabe Schools (CCT)
  • Funding for school supplies  
  • Funding $5000 
2024
Malabe Health Clinic (CCT)
  • Provided supplies and support 
  • Funding $5000 
  1. 2004
    Medicine for Rural Clinics (CCT)
  2. 2009
    Make Coffee Not War
  3. 2009
    Recording Studio (CCT)
  4. 2009
    Soccer Ball Project (CCT)
  5. 2009
    Atsabe Village Empowerment (CCT)
  6. 2012 - ongoing
    Education Support (CCT)
  7. 2020
    COVID-19 Relief (CCT)
  8. 2022
    Computer Education Project (CCT)
  9. 2024
    Atsabe Schools (CCT)
  10. 2024
    Malabe Health Clinic (CCT)