Grace, defined as the "disposition to kindness and courtesy," is not just the first name to founder and CEO of Coffee of Grace, but is a word that evokes feelings of peace and harmony. This is exactly what the company aims to do for women in coffee growing communities. It should come as no surprise then, that this pioneering company is one of the most inspirational coffee roasters in New York.
 

Coffee of Grace was founded by Grace Hightower De Niro in an effort to help rebuild the Rwandan economy and support women coffee farmers. "Inspired and motivated by the Rwandan people's courageous spirit, our coffees were created as a way to celebrate and support our coffee farming partners," she says. "Through direct sourcing, fair trade, ethical practices and environmental stewardship, our dedication to the coffee farmers allows them to create a sustainable business that can be passed from one generation to the next."
 
In the past year, Coffee of Grace has spread its mission to Central and South America, and has begun sourcing beans from Peru, Guatemala and Colombia, which was launched at the festival last year. The new single origin, Guatemalan Huehue Santiago Signature Series, was sampled as both a hot beverage and a cold brew.
 
The Huehue Santiago Signature Series is their first single origin Guatemalan coffee. Leila Benabid, Sales and Marketing manager, explains:
 
 "This particular lot comes from a tiny producers' association called El Esfuerzo translated as ‘The Effort,’ who are based in Todos Santos Cuchumatán, Huehuetenango. The beans come from our source partners, TG-LAB, a coffee laboratory that is solely dedicated to the creation of specialty coffee. TG-LAB has created programs to engage with farmers to add value to their work and produce better coffee. Additionally, TG LAB has developed a financial model that allows farmers more control over the pricing and destinations of their coffees."
 
This single origin series is a light roast with a creamy body and flavor notes that include blackberry, butterscotch, and bakers chocolate. The Huehue Santiago roast, along with the rest of their retail line, will be available to purchase at their booth during the festival once again.


 
In addition to the new Signature Series roast, Coffee of Grace will be offering samples of its Kigoma Signature Series. "Kigoma is a growing region in the mountains of Ryamwami, Rwanda.  This mountain range is considered sacred and is known as a place to make pilgrimage,” says Benabid. There is a co-op in the mountain range called “Codukaki” led by an amazing woman, Mukasarabwe Madelene. “Codukaki has 39 women coffee farmers and has won the Cup of Excellence twice.” Coffee of Grace chose this lot specifically because the coffees are farmed and owned 100% by women and they wish to highlight the empowering example Mukasarabwe and her team set for women throughout Rwanda and Africa.
 
Want to hear more about this inspiring brand?
 
Stop by their booth to enter for a chance to win one of their Coffee of Grace gift sets. Also, exclusive to festival goers - receive 20% off any online purchase with a promo code supplied at their booth.