In 2024, we faced a year of both challenge and opportunity—with record-high coffee and cocoa prices, shifting markets, and growing regulatory demands like the EU deforestation law. Yet through it

With a new member in our team, of course, we couldn’t pass up the chance to chat with her and learn more! Keep reading for our interview with Marie. Marie:

Iris brings a wealth of experience in international economics, sustainability, and social impact to her role as Program Director for Equity Action at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development

We are pleased to welcome a new colleague, Phiona Nakusi to the Progreso team, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge from nearly two decades in the coffee industry.

MECAHC, one of our partners in Uganda, has secured a substantial loan of USD 200,000 from Root Capital. This critical financial boost allows them to strengthen their business, expand their reach, and maintain their independence. It’s a milestone that reflects MECAHC’s growing capacity and resilience in the competitive coffee market, and it highlights how Progreso’s support can open doors to larger financing opportunities. 

In September 2024, Progreso Foundation, Rabo Foundation, and Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) visited Koperasi Kopi Lintong Humbang Hasundutan in North Sumatra to monitor the cooperative's progress. The team included representatives from Progreso, Rabo Foundation, and LDC, including program managers and agronomists.

Earlier this month, a key visit took place to three coffee cooperatives in Eastern Uganda—MEACCE, MECAHC, and Bushika—by Anne Rappoldt (Program Manager Africa at Rabo Foundation), Imke Straaten (Program Manager Africa at Progreso Foundation), and Janet Maate (Project Manager Uganda at Progreso Foundation). These cooperatives are great examples of how targeted support and collaboration can significantly boost the coffee sector in Uganda.

From September 8th to 21st, Progreso’s Federica Marra - Senior Product Owner at Beyco - and Natan Yao - Progreso’s Project Manager for Cote d’ Ivoire - travelled from west to east across Cote d’ Ivoire, exploring cocoa plantations and meeting dedicated producers and innovative technologies along the way. 

Over the past months and as a part of their Final Master Thesis students from the Master in Big Data & Analytics at EAE Business School Barcelona have collaborated with

Please see the Beyco website at www.beyco.nl We are excited to announce a major update to the Beyco Farmer App, packed with new features designed to revolutionize the cocoa trade.