In this episode, Maura Oerding, CEO of Kaffee Kooperative joins the podcast to talk about driving change and sustainability in the coffee industry. Maura outlines the challenges faced by coffee farmers, particularly women, and how the Kaffee Kooperative’s model is fostering economic independence and equitable trade practices. The discussion delves into: 

• The coffee industries colonial roots

• The importance of community, collaboration, and consumer responsibility, 

• The concept of “Fair Chain”

Mara also shares her backstory as an inventor and the journey that led her to becoming a CEO. The episode emphasizes the power of informed consumer choices and collective efforts in bringing about systemic change.

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Acknowledgments

This episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Factory Network, who provided us with the space to record this episode⁠. 

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Welcome to Maura Oerding

02:10 Challenges in the Coffee Industry

07:12 Fair Trade vs Fair Chain 

07:40 Empowering Women in Coffee through the Kaffee Kooperative

10:45 Consumer Responsibility and Impact

25:11 The Role of Cooperatives