Pearl of Tehama

Pearl of Tehema is one of the very few entities still working to sell Yemen coffees and bring the much needed resources back to farmers. Pearl of Tehema works with 131 coffee producers in Al Qafr, Ibb region in Yemen. The company prides itself for sourcing coffees from various smallholder farmers, and keeping them separate from each individual municipality separate. 

In recent years, Pearl of Tehema had to reinvent themselves to reach and support producers. Providing things like localized receiving warehouses has eased the burden of transporting coffee and ensured safe storage. Pearl of Tehama is currently helping producers organize formally because recognized producer associations can solicit international assistance for needed infrastructure improvements like roads, schools and water systems.

Yemen is perhaps the most historic coffee growing region in the world, second only to Ethiopia, with a lineage spanning more than 2,000 years. Coffee production continues today with many of the same traditions dating back to the 15th century, like drying coffee naturally in the cherry on the rooftops of houses perched on the edges of steep mountain ridges. However, modern Yemen continues to suffer from protracted conflict that has cost almost 100,000 lives, displaced over 3 million, and left two-thirds of the country in need of food or medical aid. So when new crop arrives we pause to remember and honor the coffee. We are grateful to bring this very special coffee, which is hinged on a relationship of trust, despite all the odds.