The challenge
A network of smallholder coffee growers in Uganda -- already selling coffee beans to the EU -- wanted to expand into the US market. The opportunity was real, but fragmented: individual growers lacked the scale, unified voice, and supply chain infrastructure to attract American buyers on their own.
Our approach
Working alongside the growers' network lead, we are consolidating the growers into a single, coherent supply track -- the operational foundation needed to approach US buyers with confidence -- while cultivating relationships with importers in the US specialty coffee market.
The result
Engagement ongoing. A unified supply structure is being established, and US market introductions are actively underway. This work represents the kind of long-term, relationship-first trade development that Tigara was built for.
What made this different
This isn't just a market entry project -- it's economic development work. Getting growers to speak with one voice, and getting buyers to listen, requires cultural fluency, patience, and genuine commitment to the people behind the product.