In October 2020, Perfect Daily Grind explored the impact of decades of conflict on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s coffee industry, featuring insights from Higher Grounds co-founder Chris Treter and political economy analyst Gregory Mthembu-Salter. The article examines how violence, displacement, damaged infrastructure, and barriers to trade have affected coffee producers, while highlighting the country’s exceptional potential for specialty coffee.

The coverage also details Higher Grounds’ work with the Kawa Kanzururu cooperative through the Virunga Alliance, its support for producer-led development through Saveur du Kivu, and the literacy and gender equality programs carried out by its sister nonprofit, On the Ground. Chris discusses how coffee can create economic opportunities and contribute to peace by strengthening communities and providing alternatives to conflict. The story reflects Higher Grounds’ long-term commitment to building a more equitable coffee industry alongside Congolese producers.