Glenlyon Eratoi

Glenlyon- Located at 1800masl, Eratoi is one of the highest altitude communities that Karst works with. The resulting cooler temperatures found at this height means coffee cherries require slightly more time to ripen so the harvest date is moderately later when compared to our lower altitude groups. Karst has now worked collaboratively with the Eratoi community for seven continuous years having first entered into partnership with lead farmer, Simao Pedro de Deus (now Karst’s field manager) in 2019. Eratoi has now become the largest group that Karst works with and as of 2025, now consists of 40 smallholder farmers each of whom diligently process their coffee in their individual households using traditional practices passed down through generations.

The 2025 harvest produced excellent yields for the farmers of Eratoi which, in addition to favourable weather conditions, was almost certainly due to continued conscientious efforts by farmers to rehabilitate and maintain their coffee trees. With the premium price that Karst pays per kilo for parchment ($4.00 per kg) and the increased volume of cherries that healthy trees are now yielding, household income is continuing to rise year-on-year. For example, Carlito Afonso da Silva, a smallholder farmer (2 hectares) from Eratoi sold 300kg of parchment to Karst in 2025, earning $1,200. If we compare this to 2019’s figures, Carlito sold 200kg of parchment to Karst at $2.85 per kilo earning $570 for his household. Although there is still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done, Carlito is just one example of how conscientious farming practices coupled with responsible sourcing strategies can offer the prospect of improved household income through high-quality, speciality coffee.

Karst’s 7-year partnership with Eratoi has been forged on confidence and trust. Confidence in knowing that all partner farmers will continue to work diligently to maintain the high standards that this delicious, well-balanced fully-washed coffee has become known for and trust in knowing that the effort required to produce speciality coffee of this standard will be acknowledged with a premium purchase price.