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Bartlett Mitchell, one of the UK’s leading independent caterers, has raised over $10,000 to enable Nicaraguan coffee co-operative, Soppexcca, to build a new biscuit factory.
To supplement their income, especially during the months between coffee harvests, the temporary seasonal worker (all women) employed at Soppexcca´s drymill facility, who had organised themselves in a cooperative, began making biscuits using sesame seeds and honey.
Running the operation on a small scale, the co-operative required funding to enable them to build a factory for manufacturing.
Through various fundraising activities, including raffles and quizzes, Bartlett Mitchell’s team was able to donate a significant amount to support the development of the project which also enabled them to buy manufacturing equipment.
Wendy Bartlett MBE, founder and executive chairman, Bartlett Mitchell“I was struck by the women’s drive and determination,” said Wendy Bartlett MBE, founder and executive chairman, Bartlett Mitchell.
“When I found out how much funding they needed, I knew that our team would be happy to rise to the challenge. It’s gratifying to know we have helped to provide a sustainable alternative source of income for the women’s female members of the cooperative.”
Land at the drymill processing plant in Sebaco, Matagalpa was also donated by Soppexcca to construct an appropriate building for producing the biscuits.
Miguel Camara, head of coffee and tea, Bartlett Mitchell, said “I had the honour of visiting Soppexcca at the beginning of 2020 and gained a much clearer understanding of how these women could really benefit from this funding.
“Their determination and entrepreneurial spirit in times of adversity was extraordinary, emphasising the reasons behind our support in the first place. I cannot wait to go back and see how much they have achieved since.”
Fatima Ismael, general manager, Soppexcca, added: “Through the joint efforts of UCA Soppexcca and Bartlett Mitchell, we have managed to provide these women with a different, hopeful working life.
“In addition to continuing to support the noble work of processing coffee in our processing plant, they also have their own enterprise with the biscuit factory, as well as a means of sustainable income for themselves and their families. It is tremendous to be able to achieve this mission thanks to the fair-trade chain and supportive companies like Bartlett Mitchell.”
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Hospitality & Catering News: Bartlett Mitchell supports Soppexcca in building factory. – 17 November 2021 – Bartlett Mitchell supports Soppexcca in building factory.
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