THE ELEPHANT AND THE COFFEE BEAN

Perhaps the link between one of nature’s most majestic creatures and the humble coffee bean is not immediately apparent, but in Thailand where a great deal of the world’s coffee is grown elephants are part of almost every community. It is always nice to hear of new news within the coffee production industry. UKVending works actively to support the work of a number of agencies working to sustain the environment where coffee is grown around the world and we discovered a great story about how elephants, another of the worlds endangered species, are also being supported at the same time.

The mountainous and deeply forested area of Northern Thailand has for millennia been home to the native elephants of the region. In recent centuries these wonderful creatures have been used by man in illegal logging operations – destroying the very environment that supports them.

Now a new nonprofit organisation from Houston, Texas, has entered the scene with a plan to reforest the mountains, support the welfare of the elephants and to generate an income for the locals by selling roasted coffee. 100 percent of the profits made by ENP Coffee Company will go to support the Elephant Nature Park in Chang Mai, Northern Thailand. This charity rescues abused elephants and offers them sanctuary with the vets and workers also aiming to teach people how to treat and respect the elephants.

The scheme is funded by growing caturra and catimor variety coffee beans in the neighbouring hills which are subsequently sold.