This Christmas, we’re proud to bring you a coffee that tells a story of resilience, community, and hope. Sourced from the Majirane Cooperative in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), this unique coffee embodies perseverance in the face of adversity. We’re also working with The Bike Project, attaching a donation to each purchase, which will go towards their work helping refugees in the UK gain freedom and connection through donated and refurbished bikes. 

The Congolese Coffee Industry

The DR Congo is often overlooked in the specialty coffee industry, despite holding immense promise. For decades, the country has grappled with a painful colonial history, ongoing conflict, and the displacement of its people. In North Kivu, where our Christmas Special coffee was grown, these challenges are particularly severe, with armed conflict uprooting countless families. Despite such adversity, Congolese farmers continue to cultivate extraordinary coffee — known for its sweetness, complexity, and elegance. 

Our Head of Coffee, Andrea, has a personal connection to this story. Before joining Caravan, Andrea worked with Congolese coffee producers through Twin, a charity that helped revive DR Congo’s coffee sector when it was on the brink of collapse in 2008. Thanks to their efforts and the dedication of the local community, the region re-emerged as a specialty coffee origin in the early 2010s. This success was built on collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for a brighter future—values that deeply resonate with us at Caravan. 

This year, our Christmas coffee comes from the Majirane Cooperative, a group of 500 farmers in North Kivu. It represents more than just a delicious cup; it symbolises the strength and determination of a community that continues to rise above its challenges. 

Collaborating with The Bike Project

At Caravan, we believe that great coffee can bring people together, tell stories that matter, and create meaningful change. That’s why we’re proud to partner with The Bike Project this Christmas. The Bike Project is a London and Birmingham based charity that transforms the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK by providing refurbished bicycles free of charge.  

Refugees often arrive in the UK with little more than the clothes on their backs. Many are housed in remote areas, struggling to meet basic needs due to limited government support. Travel costs can be a major barrier; with a typical weekly bus pass costing £20, many refugees must choose between transport and other essentials. This is where The Bike Project steps in. By providing a donated and refurbished bike, they give refugees the means to travel to supermarkets, attend crucial appointments, access vital services, and connect with their communities. It’s a simple yet transformative solution. 

Imagine being in Yared’s shoes. You’ve been housed in a Holiday Inn near Luton, far from the town centre. You need to see your solicitor, but a return bus ticket costs £3.90. With only £8.86 left for the week after meals, your options are limited. You could walk for two hours each way, or, with a donated bike, reach your destination in just 30 minutes. For Yared and countless other individuals that The Bike Project works with, a bike represents freedom, independence, and a path forward. 

The Bike Project have provided over 50 Congolese refugees, with refurbished bikes. As one individual shared, “My bike has changed my life. I feel like a bird when I cycle.” 

The Bike Project Initiatives

Since 2013, The Bike Project has been matching newly arrived refugees with thousands of abandoned bikes across the UK. Their work goes beyond simple donations; it creates meaningful change by fostering community and building essential skills. Here’s a closer look at their main programmes: 

1. Bike Donations: Second-hand bikes are collected, refurbished, and donated to refugees, offering a sustainable, free mode of transport.
2. Repair or Replace: Free repairs and replacement bikes keep recipients on the road, ensuring they can continue relying on their bicycles for transport. 
3. Bike Buddies: This initiative pairs refugees with local volunteers for companionship and social rides, fostering connections and combating isolation. 
4. Pedal Power: Women-only cycling lessons offer a safe and supportive environment for refugee women to learn to ride, empowering them with new skills and confidence. 
5. National Roadshow: By bringing bikes and their programmes to locations across the UK, The Bike Project reaches refugees in places such as Manchester, Sheffield, and Leicester.  

Coffee and The Community

As a company founded by immigrants and proudly employing people from all walks of life, we understand the challenges and opportunities of building a new life.  

The farmers of the Majirane Cooperative face daily challenges due to conflict and limited infrastructure, yet they produce coffee that rivals the best in the world. When you purchase this coffee, you’re supporting not just the farmers but a broader vision of hope and resilience. 

In today’s world, refugees and migrants are often used as political talking points, their humanity obscured by fearmongering and division. Yet their stories are ones of resilience, strength, and the quest for dignity. Whether in the mountains of DR Congo or the streets of London, people deserve the chance to build better lives. We see this potential in our coffee partners and in the refugees served by The Bike Project. 

For Yared and thousands of others, mobility means access to opportunity, independence, and belonging. For Congolese farmers, recognition of their work means greater stability, empowerment, and a chance to thrive. Our Christmas coffee brings these two stories together, offering a powerful reminder that change is possible when we support one another. 

When you purchase The Bike Project Coffee, a portion of the proceeds will go to help more refugees gain access to bikes. Together, we can make a tangible impact in the lives of people facing adversity, helping them find joy, freedom, and a path forward. 

To purchase The Bike Project Coffee click here, to learn more about The Bike Project click here.