Partnerships
Fatima Ismael
Soppexcca coffee cooperative
Our Fairtrade coffee brand, Perkee, is farmed by the Soppexcca Coffee Co-operative in Nicaragua. Made from single-origin 100% Arabica beans, it’s a smooth, intense coffee with dark chocolate and caramel notes.
Fatima Ismael took over the struggling co-operative in 1997, and developed a business plan that would revolutionise it, improving the lives of its members and their community. Today, Fatima has achieved her aim of empowering women farmers – nearly 40% of Soppexcca’s members are women – and profits are ploughed back into education, diversification and health centres.
More than 320 women take part in a solidarity savings-and-loan programme to diversify their families’ income. Many of them are saving money for the first time in their lives, and are learning business, marketing and credit skills. This community participation helps the women develop leadership abilities and boosts their self-esteem, as they become increasingly independent.
“"When I read about Fatima and her view that a ‘woman’s independence can only be achieved through economic autonomy and awareness’, I recognised a kindred spirit and was determined that we would partner with Soppexcca to create BM’s coffee. By drinking Perkee Soppexcca, our customers can enjoy a great-tasting, Fairtrade coffee, and make a positive difference to the Soppexcca community".”
Wendy Bartlett MBE
Producer Urania Hernandez at her SOPPEXCCA farm, El Escambray in Jinotega, Nicarágua.
SOPPEXCCA’s coffee producer Flora Del Socorro Montenegro on her farm, in Jinotega, Nicarágua.
