Direct relationships
The relationship between Cafédirect and Mpanga is highly valued by Mpanga tea growers.
This is due to the ongoing close contact between the two companies as well as Cafédirect being the only Fairtrade business to offer additional training to them.
This training has means the quality of tea we receive from Mpanga is always the best quality possible, which in turn has resulted in higher prices for the tea growers!
As well as providing training, we have worked with Mpanga to buy and install a tea-sachet packing machine and receive training necessary to sell tea in their local market. This is an exciting opportunity for Mpanga tea growers to increase their sales and test the popularity of their tea locally!
Implementation of a HACCP Programme at Mpanga
Cafédirect provided training and support to set up the HACCP system which has been in place at Mpanga since 2006.
The implementation of the HACCP system has resulted in very positive benefits for the workers, with the recent construction of a factory canteen, showers and toilets.
These vital installations have a double benefit to the business – not only helping to achieve the HACCP standards but also improving the quality of the tea workers environment.
The knowledge, and importance of sanitation learned by workers through HACCP training, is then shared by them with their families and communities – thereby impacting the lives of many more!
Patrick Tiberondwa,
 |
Factory
Manager, Mpanga
As well as being Factory Manager, Patrick holds a Certificate in Food Hygiene as a result of training provided on the HACCP Programme provided by Cafédirect's Producer Partnership Programme. He feels that this programme has lead to a shift in the quality and consistency of tea produced from Mpanga.
"The introduction of HACCP and BRC food standards and the subsequent training for the same has improved infrastructure entrenching better quality tea production.
Workers’ and farmers’ welfare has greatly improved owing to the social premiums accruing out of better quality tea production”