Grown By Her Hands. Brewed With Our Heart.

Why We Support Women Coffee Producers at MoonBeans   

At MoonBeans Coffee Roasters, we’ve always believed that coffee should do more than taste good...it should do good. That belief is why we’re deeply committed to supporting women coffee producers across the globe, from the mountains of Colombia to the farmlands of Sumatra. 

The coffee industry, though full of passion and culture, has long been male dominated, particularly at the production level. But women are the invisible force behind much of what we brew. 

“Because it’s a male-dominated industry,” said Alexis Johnson, part of our MoonBeans team, “it’s important to support women so people see they can do it too. Just as capable. Just as essential.” 

She’s right. From planting seedlings to picking ripe cherries and preparing them for export, women contribute up to 70% of the labor in coffee farming worldwide. And yet, fewer than 30% of coffee farms are owned or managed by women. 

A Global Problem, A Local Commitment 

Our team sources beans from female-led cooperatives and women-run farms in places where the odds are stacked against them, regions where patriarchal systems still limit land rights, access to credit, and business opportunities. In Sumatra, for example, local customs like Dalihan Natolu recognize only men as legal landowners, despite women doing the majority of plantation labor. 

These women don’t just grow coffee, they carry economies, raise families, and rebuild communities, especially in post-conflict zones. “In countries with civil wars or economic strife,” said MoonBeans Operations Director Emilio Beltrán, “it’s women who step up… when the men are off beating each other up with weapons. Women take care of the families. They keep things running.” 

Creating Economic Agency 

Supporting women in coffee isn’t charity. It’s strategy. 

As Emilio put it: 

“If you’re a woman that’s not making any money, you have a lot less agency. But when you represent a subset of the economy that brings in millions of dollars, you gain the power to vote, own a business, open a bank account. It creates a sense of agency.” 

And the data agrees. Studies show that when women are empowered with land ownership and decision-making power, household incomes increase, children’s education improves, and communities thrive. In fact, one study found that closing the gender gap in agriculture could boost yields by 20–30%, directly fueling rural development. 

How We Walk the Talk 

When MoonBeans selects coffee from women-led subgroups, such as the GARMINDO Women Producers in the Gayo Highlands of Sumatra, we are not merely purchasing beans; we are investing in equity, quality, and community resilience. We believe in their vision of shared prosperity. These women, each with small plots, combine their harvests into a single export-worthy lot, increasing their negotiating power and visibility in the global market. 

It’s not about charity. It’s about quality.

These women grow exceptional coffee. 

That’s why we’re proud to offer our upcoming Fair Trade Organic Sumatra Roast—Peteri Bensu from GARMINDO’s Women Producers in the Gayo Highlands. Preorder HERE.  

It’s rich, earthy, and deeply meaningful. It tastes like community, resilience, and dignity. 

The Bigger Picture 

Coffee isn’t just about beans. It’s about stories. And too often, women’s stories go untold. We’re here to change that. We strive to elevate these voices through partnerships with ethically aligned importers, increased visibility in our coffee offerings and social media, and educational features in our newsletters. According to Sprudge, a trusted source for coffee news and culture, even when women contribute most of the labor, many still say things like, “Do you want to talk to my husband? My story isn’t important.” 

We disagree. Their stories are important. And we’re here to tell them. 

How You Can Support 

• Buy beans from women producers (we’ll be featuring more in-store and online). 

• Share their stories—on social media, with your friends, or at your next coffee meet-up. 

• Support women growers through programs like the GARMINDO Women Producers initiative in Sumatra, where a gender-equity premium goes directly to the farmers. 

• Stay tuned for future events and tastings that highlight the stories and impact of women in coffee—we’re just getting started. 

Because every sip should support dignity, equality, and world-class craftsmanship. 

Meet Alexis and Dahyanara—two of our incredible baristas who remind us every day what women supporting women looks like.

Visit us at moonbeanscoffeeroasters.com or in-store to try our latest women-produced roast. Want to go deeper? Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter!

featured image used with permission by Cafe Imports