April 20th, 2009 · No Comments

Nora Edison and Chris Neumann, owners, Strongtree Organic Coffee, Hudson, New York

What we do:

We are the owners of an artisanal organic coffee roasting company.

How it helps:

We source 100% organic, ethically traded coffees from small scale farmers who practice responsible land stewardship and fair trade. Shade grown organic coffee farming discourages rainforest destruction, protects the watershed and the eco system and the farmer. Shade Grown organic coffee tastes better and retains more of the healthful benefits of coffee. (Neumann pictured at right.)

How we got here:

We have been involved in coffee since the 1980s and started Florida’s first and only Organic Fair Trade coffee roasting company, Sweetwater Coffee. We sold Sweetwater last year after it became too large for us to maintain our vision of offering only the finest small batch roasted organic coffees, and have refocused as a retail direct roaster.  We recently launched our web store and will be opening our retail store and coffee bar in May.

Where we’re going:

The superior quality of organic coffee makes this business a win-win for everyone in the supply chain. Today’s educated, eco-conscious coffee lover demands delicious, ethically traded, sustainably farmed coffee –the future is bright for organic coffee and for our small business. We have no current plans for major expansion, and are focused on a sustainable direct trade business model that provides a quality coffee and hands-on service to our community.

How we’re doing:

As green entrepreneurs it is our commitment to and passion for our craft and our product that drives us. Retail is a new area for us (our previous company was wholesale only), and we look forward to sharing our passion and enthusiasm for our product directly with our end customers for the first time.

Advice:

Follow your passion and never compromise your vision.

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