More Firsts for the Timor-Leste Coffee Community

by

Editorial Policy

Published on

Last updated on

[T]he Timor-Leste Coffee Association (ACTL) hosted its first national cup quality contest in conjunction with Festivál Kafé Timor in December, and farmers from the Tunu Fahi village in the Letefoho subdistrict of Ermera took top honors with their TunuFahiB lot.

Overall, sixty-two samples were submitted from Timor-Leste’s six main coffee-growing districts and evaluated by three judges using SCAA sample roasting and cupping protocols. Forty-seven of the roasts earned a score of eighty or higher (qualifying them to be considered specialty coffee).

The first-place TunuFahiB roast, which scored an average of 84.45 points, was described by the judges as “creamy,” with “green apple, sour cherry, lemon and peach” flavor notes. Farmers from the Tasakina village in the subdistrict of Hatolia and the Lebedu village in Letefoho were granted second and third place with average scores of 84.325 and 84.025, respectively.

Timor-Leste coffee association hosts the Festival Kafé Timor
(Photos: My Linh Lee.)

“The results from this first competition show the great potential that Timor-Leste has as a producer of specialty coffee,” says Paolo Spantigati, Asian Development Bank country director for Timor-Leste. “Many farmers still struggle to earn a good living but events like this are inspiring them to improve quality and providing them with a clear path to a better life.”

Four of the contest’s ten award winners reported using the Timor hybrid variety; eight of the winning coffees were produced by smallholder farmer groups working in partnership with local and international exporters.

The Timor-Leste Coffee Association was formed in 2016 and supports a common goal of revitalizing the Timor-Leste coffee farm sector by serving as the unified source for industry standards, industry advocacy, media representation, and international brand development for Timorese coffee.

Chris Lucia is Fresh Cup’s associate editor.

Share This Article

Chris Lucia

Join 7,000+ coffee pros and get top stories, deals, and other industry goodies in your inbox each week.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


Other Articles You May Like

What’s the Deal with Mushroom Coffee?

Many brands are launching new products pairing mushrooms and coffee. A look at science and history reveals what’s driving this pairing.
by Leah Bowman | September 20, 2023

What You Need to Know About Barista Certification Programs 

Barista certification programs promise to teach learners new skills and can help with career advancement. But do they fulfill that promise? 
by Valorie Clark | July 21, 2023

The Cup In Hand: How Shape and Design Affect Coffee Drinking

The shape, weight, and feel of a cup can have a significant impact on the way you experience the flavor of coffee.
by Mikey Rinaldo | March 22, 2023

The Challenges of Coffee Certifications Go Beyond The Retail Shelf

Coffee certifications can be a valuable tool for farmers and roasters—but can be cost-prohibitive and difficult to navigate. We explore the benefits and challenges of certification programs before a coffee ever reaches the shelf.
by Anne Mercer | February 24, 2023