Manik Amerta Buana (MAB)

Projects

Active members: 67
Active from year: 2019
Total production capacity: 7,000 Kg (5,000 kg for export and 2,000 Kg for domestic market)

Product: Cocoa

Variety: the clones MCC-02, Sulawesi-1, Sulawesi-2, ICCRI-06, and Local variety (Lindak) /Fermented Bean (80%) and unfermented bean (20%)

Sales information

Product: Fermented cocoa beans
Quantity: 7,000 Kg (5,000 kg for export and 2,000 Kg for domestic market)

Established on 19 November 2019, Manik Amerta Buana (MAB) Cooperative is a farmer-owned cocoa cooperative based in Tabanan, Bali, dedicated to improving the productivity, quality, and livelihoods of cocoa farmers through sustainable production and market-oriented services. The cooperative currently has 67 members (63 men and 4 women), with approximately 70% active membership, managing around 70 hectares of cocoa plantations with an average productivity of 400 kg/ha. Its primary business is the production and marketing of fermented cocoa beans.

MAB aims to become a trusted economic institution for cocoa farmers by combining business development with technical support. Beyond cocoa marketing, the cooperative provides an integrated service model that includes an Internal Management System (IMS) for farm data collection and advisory services, proactive field support for harvesting and farm rehabilitation, provision of grafted cocoa seedlings, and standardized fermentation, drying, and storage facilities to ensure consistent product quality. The cooperative also processes cocoa nibs and facilitates the sale of unfermented beans, creating additional market opportunities for farmers.

In its second year as a partner of Progreso, MAB has strengthened its business capacity through access to working capital financing, enabling the cooperative to purchase cocoa beans directly from farmers and improve market access for its members. In parallel, Progreso has provided technical assistance to strengthen institutional and business performance, including the digitalization of record keeping, financial management, and other business development support. These interventions have enhanced the cooperative’s operational efficiency, governance, and readiness for sustainable business growth.

To further strengthen cocoa farming systems, MAB supplies agricultural inputs such as compost, humic acid, and dolomite, while offering plantation management services through its Agrifinance package for farmers with limited labor capacity. Supported by digital farm monitoring and partnerships with organizations such as the Kalimajari Foundation, the cooperative is positioning itself not only as a supplier of premium fermented cocoa but also as a regional learning center for sustainable cocoa cultivation and cooperative development.

Contact Progreso for more information: erwin@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Rutas del Inca, Peru

Projects

Active members: 275
Active from year: 2013
Total production capacity: 213 MT green beans

Product: Coffee
Certifications: FairTrade, Organic

Sales information

Product : Arabica Coffee

Rutas del Inca Agricultural Cooperative, was founded on November 14th, 2013, with 33 members located in the district of Querocoto, in the Cajamarca region, Peru.

In 2014, the cooperative achieved Organic certification and its first export of 60 qq to Sustainable Harvest. In 2015, the cooperative became Fairtrade certified.

A year later, in 2016, Rutas del Inca won the prize for best and youngest company of the year, an award given during Let’s Talk Coffee in Puerto Vallarta-Mexico. Currently, Rutas del Inca has 275 members, organized in 9 bases.

Rutas del Inca has started a project of development with Progreso since 2018, based on an organizational assessement to identify main points of improvement. Rutas del Inca has started with the implementation of a revolving fund to provide microloans to its members for the maintenance of coffee plantations (mainly inputs). In technical assistance, the organization has established an annual operational plan for the trainings in the field, for internal audits of the Organic and Fairtrade certification process and the harvesting plan.

In access to market, the organization with the support of Progreso participated in the SCAE fair – Europe and contacted new clients. The services to their members such as training of the members have increased, however with the establishment of the rotating fund, this will improve further.

Rutas del Inca does not have an up to date longterm plan, and have not set their next development steps within the organization. This activity is part of the project supported by Progreso.

Strategic planning that includes access to market and setting up alliances with other organizations such as the government and other coffee cooperatives, will be of importance for the further development of Rutas del Inca.

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Coopavre, Peru

Projects

Active members:  108

Percentage of which are women: 27%

Active from year: 2010

Total production capacity (2026): 1410 TM of dry cocoa beans

Product: Organic Cacao Fairtrade / Organic Cacao Biosuisse 

Certifications: Organic (EU, USA, RTPO), Fair trade, Biosuisse Organic

Sales information

Product: CCN-51 accounts for 80%, while other varieties such as VRAE 99, VRAE 15, and COMUN account for the remaining 20%.

The Ecological Cacao Agrarian Cooperative Valle Río Ene – COOPAVRE – is made up of smallholder farmers who cultivate cacao. Its membership base was actively involved in alternative development programmes in the VRAEM region. The cooperative was founded on December 12, 2009, and is managed and governed by its smallholder members, with the active, democratic, and equitable participation of rural women and youth.

COOPAVRE is a non-profit organization that provides competitive services with a social and business-oriented approach, guided by the principle of cooperation. Its objective is to improve the living conditions of its members by marketing their production and eliminating intermediaries.

COOPAVRE began exporting organic Fairtrade cacao to Europe in 2015. To date, it continues to serve and expand its customer base in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Rwenzori Farmers Cooperative Union, Uganda

Projects

  • Active members: 2,948, organised in 21 member primary cooperative societies
  • Number of female members: 1251
  • Number of male members: 1697
  • Number of Youth (18-35): 586
  • Active from year: 2014
  • Total production capacity: 80 metric tons of green beans
  • Product: Arabica Coffee, cocoa and vanilla
    Certifications: Fairtrade
  • Harvest Season: 2 seasons; March-May and August-November
  • Export season: January – June
  • EUDR: 100% compliant

Sales information

Product: Natural Arabica, centrally processed
Quality: 81-85 cup score (fruity, pleasant winey, mild aftertaste)
Annual export volumes: 60 metric tons

History

The Organization is registered to operate in the 7 districts on and around Mt. Rwenzori including Kasese, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Rubirizi, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo and Kamwenge.

The purpose of forming Mt. Rwenzori Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union was to establish farmer managed production and marketing system that will help coffee farmers gain what their effort is worth in the coffee value chain.

Leadership / organizational structure

The Union operates on cooperative principles, governed by a General Assembly with three delegates per member society. The Assembly elects a nine-member Board of Directors, which appoints technical staff to manage daily operations.

A team of five experienced staff ensures high-quality coffee production through excellent field, processing, and management practices.

Mission

A union of economically and socially empowered male and female coffee farmers

Vision

To improve the livelihood of male and female coffee farmers in the Rwenzori region through enabling them to produce the best quality coffee and access gainful markets

Contact Progreso for more information: ayub@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Rasso, Ivory Coast

Projects

Active members: 2919
Active from year: 2015
Harvest volume: 1940

Product: Cocoa
Certifications: Rainforest Alliance, FairTrade in progress

Sales information

Product: Cocoa, farmer processed

Descriptions of taste and aroma: Moderate levels of astringency and bitterness, accompanied by a spicy aftertaste and an earthy flavor.A moderate herbaceous note is also present.

Quality: 100% grade 2

Quantity: 710,000 kg of dry cocoa beans

The RASSO Cooperative has been created in 2015 by a group of young male and female farmers. As of today, RASSO is directed by a woman, and has 50% of women in management bodies. This makes it one of the few cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire to have a high rate of women participants, both as directors and members.

Furthermore, RASSO has 25% of women members and coca plantation owners. This is comparison to the national average of 5-10%.

Thanks to their income coming from cocoa, these women not only have an direct impact on their households, but also on the education of their children.

Contact Progreso for more information: nathaniel@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Mt. Elgon Coffee and Honey Cooperative Society (MECAHC), Uganda

Projects

  • Active members: 952
  • Number of female members: 391
  • Number of male members: 561
  • Number of Youth (18-35): 157
  • Active from year: 2017
  • Total production capacity of members (estimate): 500,000 kg
  • Product: Coffee
    Certifications: Organic certified (EU UG-BIO-140, USA Market (NOP), Japan JAS0 & Fairtrade FLO ID 4767
  • Harvest Season: August – December & February – April
  • Export season: September to March

  • EUDR: 100% compliant

Sales information

Product : Arabica Coffee

Cupping scores: A+ 84.25%, Naturals 85.75%

Tastify Wheel: Washed (Rose floral, citrus fruit, mixed berries grimy grape jelly, vanilla with honey, milk chocolate sweet long finish, sugar)

Annual export volumes: 288,000 KG

History

Mount Elgon Coffee and Honey Cooperative Society Ltd. is a vibrant, member-driven cooperative based in Uganda’s Mount Elgon region. We combine coffee cultivation with beekeeping to produce exceptional coffee and honey while uplifting the BAMASABA/GISHU communities. We are committed to climate-smart practices that promote sustainability and support our local ecosystems. Following organic and fairtrade standards ensures our coffee and honey meet the highest quality and ethical standards.

Leadership / organizational structure

  • AGM, Board, Supervisory committee, premium committee and management committee. Steering the cooperative´s strategic and day-to-day operations of the coop affairs
  • The General Assembly is made up of zonal and group representatives, elects the Board members during the Annual General Meeting.
  • The Board appoints the General Manager, who oversees the hiring and management of the team. The General manager is supported by the accountant, Quality, Marketing and extension officers. The community-based trainers support mobilization and act as quality controllers.)

Mission

To equip smallholder coffee and honey farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to improve production, using a Community-Based Trainer (CBT) extension model that fosters education and innovation.

Vision

To empower farmers to enhance their livelihoods by adding value to their produce and achieving long-term sustainability.

Farmer engagement

Coffee shade tree nurseries, beekeeping integration into coffee farms, organic agroinputs.

Achievements

  • Constructed a coffee storage facility and upgraded machinery.
  • Partnered with Abi Trust to register farmers in Busongora North constituency on the Geo system for EUDR compliance.
  • Secured access to financing from Rabo Foundation through Progreso.
  • Conducted Expose training sessions on finance, marketing, and donor relations.
  • Brought on board additional partners, including Agri-Terra and MARKUP under ITC.
  • Acquired key manuals: Human Resource Policy, Business Strategic Plan (2024–2028), and Governance Manual.
  • Introduced mushroom farming initiatives for youth.
  • Facilitated youth access to loans for financial empowerment.

Contact Progreso for more information: ayub@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Busongora County Joint Farmers Cooperative, Uganda

Projects

Active members: 775
Active from year: 2003
Total production capacity: 232,500 kg of green beans

Product: Coffee

Certifications: N/A

Harvest Season: Feb-May and August-December

Export season: May-July and November-January

EUDR: Farmers have been registered in the Geo system using the Beyco Farmer app and Vion Cooperative tool to meet EUDR compliance requirements.

Sales information

Product: Fully washed Arabica, centrally processed
Cupping score: 84-86
Quantity: 63,000 kg of green beans

History

Busongora County Joint Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited (BCJFCS) is a member owned producer cooperative organization founded in 2003, to collect and market members’ coffee. The cooperative established in May 2003, first as a community-based organization (CBO), and has undergone several transition processes until when it was legally registered under the Co-operative Societies Amended Act, 2020 on 29th March 2021 as a primary Society.

What makes Busongara different?

  • 75% of Busongora´s farmers are women and the chair of the board is a woman
  • Busongora´s members farm on the slopes of Rwenzori Mountains in an area with great potential for tourism. In partnership with WWF, the cooperative established a centre for tourists where they can learn about coffee production. They also have mountain guides that lead treks in the high mountains.

Mission

Enhancing household incomes through agribusiness, value addition and access to markets

Vision

To be the drivers of rural wealth creation

Contact Progreso for more information: ayub@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Bundibugyo Improved Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd, Uganda

Projects

Active members: 4.808
Active from year: 2012
Total production capacity: 3.00.000 kg of dry cocoa beans

Product: Cocoa
Certifications: : Fairtrade, organic in process

Sales information

Product: Cocoa, farmer and centrally processed
Variety/Quality: FAQ, export grade, specialty fine flavor
Quantity: 3.000.000 kg of dry cocoa beans

Bundibugyo Improved Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd (BIC) started as an association in 2012.

Since 2014 they have been supported by the Rabo Foundation for loan facility. Since 2019 Progreso is also working with BIC to strengthen the business capacity and improve the quality.

Contact Progreso for more information: ayub@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Mt. Rwenzori Coffee  Farmers, Uganda

Projects

Active members: 1,254 active members
Active from year: 2014
Total production capacity: 330,000 kg of green beans

Product: Coffee
Certifications: Fairtrade

Sales information

Product: Natural Arabica, centrally processed
Variety/Quality: Naturals, farm washed and centrally washed Arabica
Quantity: 126,000 kg of green beans

The Mt Rwenzori Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union is located in the Kasese district, in the Rwenzori region of western Uganda. MRCFCU was founded in 2014 and formally registered in 2018. It currently consists of 25 primary societies and local groups, with 1,254 active members who are dedicated to the production of coffee.

With support from Progreso MRCFCU is strengthening its capacity, has become Fairtrade certified, has built micro washing stations and is preparing to direct export high-quality coffee.

Contact Progreso for more information: ayub@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact

Federación Campesina del Cauca, Colombia

Projects

Active members: 549
Active from year: 1971
Total production capacity: 700,000 kg of green beans

Product: Coffee
Certifications: Organic,  Fair Trade

Sales information

Product : Arabica Coffee
Variety/Quality: Castilla, Caturra, Suppremo, Burbon, F6
Quantity: 2700,000 kg of green beans

 

Federación Campesina del Cauca (FCC) is a second-degree association of grassroots organizations in the central area of Cauca that work to improve the living conditions of the peasant, their family and the human team of the F.C.C. with principles and values-oriented to agro-ecological practices, productive diversification, conservation of natural resources, which works for the defence and representation of farmers to dignify their work and the impact.

The organization is included in the “Plan Maestro” they are using our digital tools to improve their technical data in the field and commercialization through Beyco.

Contact Progreso for more information: patricia@progreso.nl

more projects

Connecting Coffee  Cocoa

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow

Progreso Foundation
KIT Room BB-9
Mauritskade 64
1092 AD Amsterdam

Explore

Beyco
Projects 
Publications
Outreach 
ANBI
Contact