Ikawa has introduced a digital micro roaster as part of a program to assist coffee farmers.
A limited number of the roasters are currently featured on Kickstarter where the company has generated almost $200,000 in donations to begin mass production of the device.
Users select recipes on their smartphone, drop the beans into the roaster and in 3 to 10 minutes remove the coffee. Recipes can be adjusted for a perfect roast for espresso, drip, pour-over, and press pot coffee.
“Selling green coffee simplifies the supply chain,” according to founders Andrew Stordy and Rombout Frieling. Ikawa promises to re-invest 10% of the revenue back into projects that help famers produce better quality and earn more money. The firm will work with Cafédirect Producers’ Foundation (CPF) in Africa and Latin America to develop direct lines of supply. CPF will also deliver roasting machines donated to smallholders.
The roaster stands a foot tall and is 9.5 inches deep. It operates on 120 volts and will sell for around $700.
Learn more: www.ikawacoffee.com