Forget everything you think you know about "Robusta." Since we tasted Tom's Canephora, a new era has dawned in our cup.
When you think of coffee from Uganda, one name is unavoidable: Tom Kalyesubula. Tom is not just a trader; he is a fourth-generation coffee farmer. With his initiative Littlefarms, he has made it his mission to highlight the hard work of Ugandan small farmers and finally pay them the wages they deserve.
More than just a "wake-up call": Fine Canephora
For a long time, the Robusta bean (scientifically Coffea Canephora) was considered the unloved, bitter brother of Arabica. But Tom and his network prove otherwise. In the biodiverse gardens of Uganda, often in the Bushenyi region or the fertile highlands, a Canephora grows that is currently turning the coffee world upside down as "Fine Robusta."
Instead of burnt rubber, you taste:
- Rich chocolate notes 🍫
- Nutty warmth 🌰
- An incredibly full body and a thick, hazelnut-brown crema.
Littlefarms: Small farms, big impact
The name says it all. Tom works with a network of small farmers who grow their coffee plants not on huge plantations, but in their "Littlefarms" behind their homes.
This cultivation method is almost philosophical:
- More direct than direct: Tom brings the coffee directly from his own backyard (and that of his neighbors) to us. No anonymous intermediaries.
- Natural diversity: The Canephora plants are robust and grow in harmony with nature. They require fewer protective agents and thrive in the partial shade of banana trees and fruit trees.
- Generational knowledge: Tom combines the ancient knowledge of his ancestors with modern quality standards for the European market.
A partner on equal terms
With Tom Kalyesubula and Littlefarms, we have a partner who fights for transparency. He often lives between Uganda and Germany, so he knows both worlds: the hands that pick the coffee and the cups it ends up in.
This Canephora is for everyone who likes it strong, honest, and chocolaty – and who wants to know who harvested their coffee.
Profile: Littlefarms & Tom Kalyesubula
| Feature | Details |
| Founder | Tom Kalyesubula (4th generation coffee farmer) |
| Origin | Uganda (Central Uganda) |
| Coffee type | 100% Canephora (Fine Robusta) |
| Flavor profile | Deep, chocolatey, nutty, low acidity, full body |
| Cultivation method | Smallholder mixed farming, hand-picked |
| Mission | Direct market access for farmers, fair prices, transparency |
