Exceptional coffee is not a foregone conclusion. Like many other species of flora and fauna across the world, the product we love so dearly is under threat from climate change, pests, disease, drastic swings in crop output and more. 

Thankfully, World Coffee Research is working to secure its future. Their continued efforts in the lab and at origin are resulting in exciting new coffee varieties that are not just high yielding and demonstrably resilient in the field, but are also specialty grade with the potential to taste delicious in the cup. 

This series has provided a canvas for two artists to create unique pieces that highlight the hope that World Coffee Research’s pioneering work represents. 

More on Michael Buchino:

Illustrator Michael Buchino aims to tell stories through pictures. Living in Portland, Oregon, with a bike and pencil, he creates subjects that are both thought-provoking and useful. When turning his attention to this collaboration, he wanted to to show that coffee is a process:

“World Coffee Research is working in the lab and on the farm to make sure we get great coffee in our cups each day”, he says. “With their work, we can count on coffee being a viable industry for years to come”.

Taking inspiration from vintage advertisements, sport illustrations and old how-to short films, he’s created three

characters that embody the work of World Coffee Research. The Lab Technician oversees the intensive task of laboratory research, whilst The Farmer propogates and harvests the result of that work. And, finally, the Coffee Connoisseur has the luxury of brewing and savouring the results.

Our Work With World Coffee Research:

We’ve partnered with World Coffee Research for the last 5 years. Donating directly to WCR for every kilo of green coffee we’ve purchased, to-date we have contributed over £15,000 to their audacious but laudable efforts. We were lucky enough to visit their research team in Rwanda during our visit in 2019 and witness the work they're doing first hand.

As MiiR’s UK & Ireland distributor, we've worked with MiiR's global team and World Coffee Research to create this initiative, allowing us to contribute even more to a cause we consider crucial not just to the future of specialty coffee, but coffee as a whole. 

Specs:

• Thermo 3D™ double wall vacuum insulation technology.
• Stays cold for 24+ hours and hot for up to 12 hours. Does not sweat.
• BPA free.
• Perfect Seal™ lid won't leak.
• 18/8 Medical grade stainless steel.
• Hardshell™ powder coat.
• Cup holder compatible.
• Capacity - 680ml
• Size - 1.25" x 2.75" (28.57cm x 6.98cm)
• Weight - 331g
• Care Instructions - wash before first use. Hand wash recommended. Lid top rack dishwasher safe.