We’re pleased to share that our long-awaited lots from Tamba Coffee in Gia Lai, Vietnam, are back in stock! These coffees are more than simply “Robusta”; they represent a story of dedication, cultural connection, sustainable practices and played their part in the global Canephora movement.

Our relationship with Tamba began in December 2021 when Paul visited Mr. Quang and his father, Mr. Quang Senior, at their production facility in Pleiku for the first time. Located in the central highlands of Vietnam, the family has built their processing station surrounded by their own coffee farms. Once a commercially oriented Robusta operation founded by the senior Quang, it has been transformed by Mr. Quang Junior into a producer of sustainable, high-end Canephora.

Tamba’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their practices. Their own farm spans over 200 hectares, partially shaded by large trees and protected by grasses and bushes that act as natural windbreakers. Since reshaping their production, they have employed only organic farming methods, using fermented coffee skin and organic fertilizer to maintain soil health while refraining from chemical pesticides and herbicides. The region’s volcanic soil contributes to the fertility of the land and the unique character of Tamba’s coffees.

By sharing their fertilizers with smallholder farmers in nearby villages, Tamba helps reduce their production costs while ensuring that the cherries they source are organically grown. Their commitment extends to water usage as well. Tamba has implemented a water recycling system for their coffee processing, neutralizing the water’s pH level before releasing it back into the environment. Today, they focus primarily on honey and natural processing methods—both of which help to minimize water consumption. These efforts have earned them Rainforest Alliance certification, which they are proud to uphold and renew year after year, while also ensuring compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Since the initial meeting, we have returned to witness Tamba’s significant progress firsthand. They have not only upgraded their processing facility, but also established a local education center on site, aimed at empowering young coffee professionals in the region with training in green grading, cupping, and roasting.

Their dedication to quality has gained recognition nationwide: Tamba’s honey-processed Robusta earned 1st place in the 2025 Gia Lai Green Coffee Competition in its category. This very coffee, which you may know as the “Jarai” from our green coffee page, paying homage to the people who cultivate it, continues to be a favorite for many as a complex and expressive Canephora.

The story of Tamba is deeply intertwined with the regions’ local ethnic communities, particularly the Jarai people. Mr. Quang Senior, the patriarch of the Tamba family, began teaching mathematics and Vietnamese language in remote tribal villages during his teenage years. His dedication earned him the trust and respect of the communities over the years, fostering a bond that continues to this day. Many Jarai community members are employed at Tamba’s processing facility or supply coffee cherries from their family farms, motivated by higher prices and consistently growing demand. To this day, Mr. Quang Senior enjoys partaking in tribal events and spending time in the villages with friends.

In the Vietnamese highlands, poverty remains a significant challenge, particularly among tribal communities. They struggle with restricted access to education and healthcare, along with ongoing challenges around land ownership and usage rights, while rapid modernization puts their cultural heritage at risk. In this context, initiatives like Tamba’s, which focus on collaboration, education, and community development, offer a path forward. The on-site education center has become an important resource, especially for younger generations, providing access to free or subsidized training and opening new pathways in the coffee industry.

We are proud to support Tamba’s vision, that balances progress with cultural preservation and sustainability with quality. Their dedication ensures that each bag of coffee not only delivers exceptional flavor but also tells a story of community, resilience, and responsible practices.

Samples are now available for order on our green coffee page.