Building on the success of the partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies and Sustainable Growers, we are proud to join these combined efforts to expand the distribution of Question Coffee internationally. This partnership will ensure that women producers can reach their maximum levels of economic independence.

THE HISTORY OF SUSTAINABLE GROWERS, HOME OF QUESTION COFFEE

Since the inception of Sustainable Growers, Bloomberg Philanthropies has invested in the innovative training of coffee farmers and producers, bringing smallholder farmers up through the coffee value chain. These long-term investments have led to a partnership with Sustainable Growers, home of Question Coffee Café & Roastery (a social enterprise) and the Coffee Training Academy. To date Sustainable Growers, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Women’s Economic Development portfolio, has trained nearly 60,000 women farmers across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.

Through Sustainable Growers’ one-year training program, women enrolled receive training on the best agricultural practices in coffee, home roasting, and market access activities.

This seed to sip training designed by Sustainable Growers leads to improved productivity, quality, and increased market access for coffee farmers and producers.

Women growers in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania are strengthening their cooperatives and expanding their reach to international markets through Sustainable Growers’ training programs. Cooperatives such as Nyampinga and Twongere Umusaruro wa Kawa (TUK) in Rwanda have been indispensable in providing the necessary infrastructure to produce high-quality, climate-resistant coffee harvests supporting smallholder farmers and their families in reaching economic independence.

Sustainable Growers has been identified as one of 50 Global Best Practice Programs in Agriculture with Question Coffee featured at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Read Our Report on Sustainability and Inclusivity in Hospitality 

Q COFFEE CONCEPT AT EXPO CITY DUBAI

The first-ever Question Coffee Café was opened by Sustainable Growers in Kigali, Rwanda in 2015. This café not only increased local coffee consumption, but also increased market access for women smallholder farmers in the region. To date, TGP International has supported the opening of two additional Question Coffee Café’s: one in the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C.—the first in the United States, and one in Expo City Dubai—the first in the Middle East.

Officially unveiled in December 2023, Q Coffee at Expo City Dubai was designed to showcase powerful messaging and striking photography featuring coffee farms and rural landscapes, further strengthening the connection between the physical space and the origins of the initiative. We drew inspiration from the many women farmers who have attained economic independence through Q Coffee, aiming to connect guests to their stories and showcase their values of hard work, determination, and resilience. Our strategy was guided by several goals, including the creation of a lively and inquisitive community space that celebrates African culture and heritage, and the women central to Q Coffee.

SERVICE STYLE AND QUALITY STANDARDS

With the human story central to Q Coffee's identity, embedding strong service guidelines was essential for connecting with the brand’s purpose and enhancing guest engagement. A relaxed and friendly approach to customer interaction was highlighted as key, supported by a commitment to quality standards.

As with all specialty coffee brands, showcasing Q Coffee’s distinct high-quality and sustainability was an important message that would need to be communicated through several touchpoints.

This includes meticulous attention to detail when it comes to preparation, brewing, and presentation to provide a rewarding “seed-to-sip” experience for guests.

The importance of staff training was also highlighted in our service strategy—equipping individuals with the knowledge to share the Q Coffee story with guests and highlight the project's meaning to foster a sense of meaning and belonging.

IMPACT 

Building on this, TGP International is extending its network and expertise to support Q Coffee’s future growth. Whether it is through the selection of Q Coffee as a supplier for many of our operated venues or introducing the brand to new audiences through our management of F&B at major international events like COP28, we’re proud to support Sustainable Growers in amplifying the Q Coffee story to more of the world.

We will continue reminding guests that by drinking Question Coffee, they are investing in the training and education of women farmers as they produce high-quality products leading them to achieve economic independence for themselves and their families.

CONTRIBUTORS 

TGP International: Florentina Tsakiri, Jemina Adewole, Kerim Basaran, Olivia Ball, Magdalene Welch, Victor Larrouilh. 

To learn more about Sustainable Growers Rwanda, visit sustainablegrowers.org 

To learn more about Bloomberg Philanthropies' Women’s Economic Development program visit bloomberg.org/founders-projects/womens-economic-development/