At Angel Hill Food Co., we believe in making a positive impact with every cup of Groundhouse Coffee. Our Giveback Programme is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that with every case of coffee sold, we contribute to the well-being of the communities that produce our beans.
Supporting Capucas Co-operative
Our partnership with the Capucas (COCAFCAL) Co-operative in Las Capucas, San Pedro, Copan, Honduras, is at the heart of our Giveback initiative. Founded by Jose Omar Rodriguez in 1999 with just 55 members, the cooperative has grown to over 1,000 members today. Nestled at an altitude of 1450-1600m, this community harvests coffee from January to April and exports it from May to July.
Investing in Communities
The funds raised through our Giveback Programme have been instrumental in improving the living standards of the poorest growers in Capucas. We funded training on growing vegetables, which has helped reduce food costs and improve health. Farmers were also provided with tools needed for harvesting. Additionally, we supported courses on sustainable farming practices, pest management, and soil health to ensure long-term productivity and environmental stewardship. Capucas invested in equipment to benefit small producers, ensuring they have suitable living conditions and better spaces for their coffee during each harvest. Our contributions have led to significant improvements in housing, including new windows, flooring, and enhancements to kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms. Infrastructure such as showers and shelters for farmers and their tools have also been upgraded.
Sustainability Efforts
At Angel Hill Food Co., sustainability is at the core of our operations. Our Groundhouse Coffee brand is committed to environmentally friendly practices that support both the planet and the people who cultivate our coffee. We use recyclable and biodegradable materials for our coffee packaging to minimise environmental impact, including plant-based inks and compostable bags. We support and promote sustainable farming methods among our growers, such as organic farming, agroforestry, and water conservation techniques, which help maintain soil health and biodiversity while reducing the need for chemical inputs. We are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint through energy-efficient processes and transportation methods, optimising our supply chain to reduce emissions and investing in renewable energy sources. Additionally, we implement waste reduction strategies at every stage of our production process, from sourcing to packaging, including recycling coffee grounds and promoting the use of reusable cups and containers.
Impact in 2023
In 2023, Groundhouse Coffee served 1.52 million cups, generating over $10,000 for the Capucas farming communities. This funding ensured that 18 households benefitted from improved living conditions, including essential infrastructure upgrades.
Continued Support in 2024
During 2024, our Giveback initiative raised an additional $10,313. As the needs of the community evolve, our revolving fund will continue to support the poorest farmers, allowing us to invest where it matters most.
“For each case of our Groundhouse blends we purchase through our supplier (Café Direct), we donate £2 to a fund which supports Capucas, a farming community and co-operative from where some of our beans are sourced. In 2024, I am delighted to announce we raised over $10,000! The co-operative has updated us that our last funding donation was put towards housing improvements and shelters for some of their poorest partners, improving their living conditions and supporting sustainable farming communities in the region.”
Henry Watts
Managing Director at Angel Hill Food Co.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, we remain committed to our mission of supporting the Capucas community. Our revolving fund will continue to adapt to the changing needs of the farmers, ensuring that every dollar raised is invested in improving their living standards.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Together, we are making a difference, one cup at a time.
