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C C Photo / Bula Coffee

As consumers continue to prioritize sustainability
and authenticity, hyperlocalism is likely to become even
more prevalent in the coffee industry. Overall, the
concept of hyperlocalism goes beyond just sourcing
ingredients from within a limited geographical area. It
also encompasses building meaningful relationships
with customers, fostering community solidarity, pro-
moting sustainability, and making a positive impact on
the local economy. As such, it is not just a trend but a
movement that has the potential to create significant
change in the food and beverage industry.

A Local Caf¨ with a Mission

As neighborhood cafes continue to thrive and
evolve, we see how their impact goes beyond just pro-
viding a space for people to grab a cup of coffee. These
cafes have become the heart and soul of local commu-
nities, creating a sense of belonging and connection
among its patrons.
Melbourne is often considered the coffee capital
of the word and Melanie who lives and works in the
city, thinks neighborhood cafes are the reason behind
this, “Melbourne especially has a thriving local cafe
scene. I would argue that it makes up a huge part of
Melbourne’s revered specialty coffee culture. The
reason we are one of the hot spots of the coffee world
Fiji might be a is because of our amazing neighborhood cafes. The
sheer density of awesome cafes in our city is pretty
small island but impressive. I think the established cafe culture here
inspires fresh faces to join the industry which in turn
there is a lesson to bring people together and through these amazing spac-
es create a sense of belonging for coffee professionals
be learned from and coffee lovers alike.”
Indeed, one of the most significant contributions
Bula Coffee’s story perfectly embodies the concept their recovery and reconstruction process. We have Bula Coffee’s of neighborhood cafes to their communities is their
of the hyperlocal movement. Bula Coffee is a vertically empowered women, enabling them to confidently ex- ability to bring people together. These establishments
integrated bean-to-cup coffee company that was found- press themselves in village meetings. There were devel- success. serve as gathering spots where individuals from all
ed in 2011 by Luke Fryett in Fiji. The company works opers who sought to demolish one of our villages for a walks of life can come together and connect over a
directly with remote villages in Fiji to harvest, process, project, including the precious wild coffee. However, shared love for coffee or simply enjoy each other’s
and market wild coffee, providing them with a sustain- the women united and successfully halted this destruc- company. This sense of community fosters social con-
able livelihood. The company also offers tours and in- tion. They recognized the significance of this coffee not nections, creating a support system that goes beyond
itiatives to create a greater appreciation for local- just as their source of income, but also as a valuable just caffeine boosts.
ly-grown coffee, empowering women and supporting resource that they needed to safeguard,“ Luke says. In recent years, we have seen an evolution in the
families in their communities. Bula Coffee’s commitment to the hyperlocal move- role that neighborhood cafes play within their com-
“We always say we know our farmers by name, and ment has not only empowered small coffee farmers and munities. While their main purpose may still be to
we shake the hand that picks the coffee. In times of their communities but also contributed to the preser- serve quality coffee and pastries, these cozy establish-
natural disasters, we have actively provided shelter to vation of Fiji’s unique wild coffee. Fiji might be a small ments now offer so much more. From hosting events
our farmers, offering them a safe haven. Once the dis- island but there is a lesson to be learned from Bula such as open mic nights and book clubs, to providing
aster has passed, we swiftly enter the affected villages Coffee’s success. By embracing hyperlocalism, business- workspaces for freelancers or students, cafes have
to assess the situation and promptly deliver emergency es can make a significant impact on their communities expanded their offerings to cater to the changing needs
aid. We then continue our efforts by assisting them in and bring about positive change. and interests of their customers.

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