In keeping with this caring business philosophy, last summer we donated our old coffee-roaster to a grower of organic coffee in Chiapas. This machine had become too small for us, but was still in perfect working order, with a second-hand value of some € 25,000. However, we felt this money was less important to us than the opportunity for growth, which a machine of this kind represents to a farmer like Ramiro Clemente. And for Koffie Kàn, it is equally important that small-scale growers like Ramiro should continue to survive. This is the only way to guarantee a continued supply of the high-quality coffee we require.

The cost of getting the machine to Ramiro – taking it apart, packing it, transporting it to Antwerp, shipping it to Vera Cruz, importing it into Mexico, transporting it across the country to Chiapas and reassembling it – was much greater than originally expected. About 5,000 EUR in fact. This is money that Ramiro can ill afford, money, which he could otherwise invest in the improvement of his plantation. To help him out, Koffie Kàn organised 'Sea miles for Ramiro'. With begging bowl in hand, we spoke to everyone we could possibly think of: neighbours, friends, suppliers, and customers. 10,000 leaflets were printed and distributed.

And - it worked! In no time we had collected 4,700 EUR on our 'Sea miles for Ramiro' bank account. A number of loyal sponsors amongst our Koffie Kàn suppliers came up with actual logistic support and more funds. As a result, the machine has now been transported to Vera Cruz at no cost at all to Ramiro. In the near future, it will be installed for him in Tuxtla Guttierrez. May 2004 Ramiro also visited the Koffie Kàn workshops in Wenduine, where he received a weeks’ training in the art of coffee roasting. Not only did he learn how to use his new machine, but also how to pack the finished product and bring it on the market. Sponsors, villagers and people interested came over to meet and talk with Ramiro on an Open Day event. Stakeholders and communication, indeed