FTO SUMATRA | ARISARINA COOP

Fair Trade Organic Sumatra from the Arisarina Cooperative represents the best of Indonesian coffee—earthy, full-bodied, and unmistakably Sumatran. Located in the Aceh Tengah region at the northern tip of Sumatra, these 240 smallholder farmers maintain organic certification while practicing the traditional wet-hulled (Giling Basah) processing method that defines Sumatran coffee.

The wet-hulled process is unique to Indonesia and dramatically different from African processing. After harvest, cherries are pulped and fermented for 12-24 hours, but instead of drying the parchment to 10-12% moisture like in other origins, the parchment is removed when the beans are still at 30-40% moisture. This creates the distinctive blue-green color and develops the heavy body and earthy flavors Sumatra is known for.

The Arisarina Cooperative has maintained organic certification since 2015, which is no small feat in Sumatra's humid climate where disease pressure is high. They've invested in improved drying infrastructure and post-harvest handling to ensure cleaner cups while maintaining the classic Sumatran profile. Our seven-year partnership has focused on supporting their organic practices and bringing this certified coffee to roasters looking for sustainable, full-bodied offerings.