CHAT SESSION 83 with Sam Keck, Managing Director Commonfolk Coffee
Topic- One of the most significant projects to emerge from Commonfolk's work is Zukuka Bora Coffee Company in Uganda. Co-founded by Commonfolk on the slopes of Mount Elgon, Zukuka Bora is a coffee producer owned by Ugandans for Ugandans.
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Monday 25th November 2024 1pm https://rppfm.com.au
Commonfolk Coffee Company was co-founded by Sam Keck in 2013 with a simple ambition; to connect coffee lovers with the world’s best coffee producers. From the outset, Commonfolk embraced the idea that coffee could be more than just a drink—it could connect people, fuel creativity, and support those who worked hard to produce it.
The Mornington Peninsula had long been renowned for its exceptional food and wine, but coffee was more of an afterthought. Sam and his team set out to change that by establishing Commonfolk as the region’s first specialty coffee roaster. He was determined to bring the same level of commitment to quality that the area's food and wine scene was celebrated for, to coffee.
Inspired by the Mornington Brewery (now Tar Barrel), and in a move that raised some eyebrows, Commonfolk opened its café and roastery in an old tin shed in the Mornington industrial estate. It was a classic “build it and they will come” moment, and come they did. The unconventional space quickly became a gathering place for locals who appreciated the combination of freshly roasted coffee and sense of welcoming for all ‘folk’.
Yet, as the café flourished, the team began to realise that serving great coffee wasn’t enough. Their success was built on the hard work of coffee farmers, many of whom weren’t benefiting fairly from the value their product generated. This realisation sparked a shift in focus. Coffee needed to be about more than just brewing and serving—it needed to be about partnerships. The team recognised that the best way to ensure the quality of their coffee was to invest in the people who produced it. They began building strong, long-term relationships with farmers, moving beyond simple transactions towards a system that benefited everyone involved.
After the success of their Mornington café, they expanded by launching—and later selling—Merchant & Maker, followed by the opening of new venues in Frankston and South Yarra. Each location had its own unique character but remained firmly rooted in Commonfolk’s commitment to quality and community. Alongside a growing network of like-minded wholesale partners, these ventures enabled Commonfolk to reach a wider audience and further their vision of using coffee as a means to connect the many hands involved in its journey from farm to cup.
From the outset Commonfolk formalised their commitment to supporting coffee-growing communities by establishing their charity, The Cup That Counts. From the very first day of operation, Commonfolk contributed 20c from every brewed cup of coffee, later expanding the program to include 20c from every kilo of roasted coffee. The mission of The Cup That Counts was simple: to help create a coffee industry that was fair for everyone involved.
One of the most significant projects to emerge from Commonfolk's work is Zukuka Bora Coffee Company in Uganda. Co-founded by Commonfolk on the slopes of Mount Elgon, Zukuka Bora is a coffee producer owned by Ugandans for Ugandans. It operates with a unique model, purchasing coffee from local farmers at higher-than-market rates and paying cash on delivery—ensuring farmers receive immediate and fair compensation for their work. The Cup That Counts provided the initial funding, allowing Zukuka Bora to secure land and build the infrastructure necessary to launch operations. This support didn’t stop at the outset; ongoing contributions have allowed Zukuka Bora to continually invest in improved equipment, land, and sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term growth and quality.
The impact is evident in the coffee itself—Zukuka Bora's beans quickly earned a reputation as some of the best in Uganda. Known for their bright, fruit-driven flavours and sparkling acidity, the coffee reflected both the unique growing conditions of Mount Elgon and the dedication of the farmers. Since its first commercial harvest in 2016, Zukuka Bora has expanded to work with nearly 2,000 farmers, employing over 150 Ugandans and directly supporting communities of more than 20,000 people. Hope is returning to the coffee farmers of Mount Elgon, and the coffee has never tasted better.
Commonfolk’s partnership model has directly led to a steady improvement in coffee quality. These long-term relationships enable farmers to reinvest in their operations, enhancing everything from processing techniques to sustainability practices. The outcome is coffee that consistently exceeds expectations, reinforcing Commonfolk’s belief that coffee that tastes good also does good. Their focus on partnerships wasn’t just about "doing good"; it was about creating a superior product. When farmers are supported and empowered, the quality of the coffee they produce naturally improves.
Today, the Commonfolk team remains committed to strengthening their partnerships with coffee producers, supporting long-term development in communities like those on Mount Elgon, and exploring how coffee can continue to positively impact the 125 million people who rely on it for their livelihoods. Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, they prioritise collaborating with like-minded businesses to bring great coffee to the 'common folk' around the world and creating cafés that foster a deep sense of community ownership.
You can watch the story unfold in ‘Every Cup Counts’, a documentary by filmmaker Daniel Milligan on the connection between Commonfolk and Zukuka Bora.
Commonfolk Coffee
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