Qima

Founded in 2016 by Faris Sheibani, Qima Coffee emerged as a transformative force in the specialty coffee sector, initially focusing on rebuilding the industry in Yemen amidst civil conflict. The organization operates as an integrated sourcing and trading business that prioritizes equitable trade, utilizing a three-tiered pricing model designed to cover production costs, provide a living wage, and offer quality-based premiums to farmers. By working directly with thousands of smallholder producers, Qima has established a fully traceable supply chain that bridges the gap between remote, high-altitude farms and the global specialty market.

Beyond its role as an exporter, Qima is recognized for its deep investment in agronomy and genetic research. The company has conducted extensive studies on the genetic diversity of Yemeni coffee, leading to the identification and classification of 'Yemenia,' a distinct genetic discovery that has gained significant attention in the specialty coffee world. This research, often conducted in collaboration with scientific partners like RD2 Vision, has been published in peer-reviewed journals, helping to clarify the history and domestication of Coffea arabica.

Processing innovation is a cornerstone of the Qima model. The company manages eight centralized processing centers in Yemen, where it oversees the transition from fresh cherry to finished green coffee. This control allows for the implementation of advanced techniques, such as their 'Alchemy Series,' which involves rigorous experimentation to push the boundaries of flavor profiles. These efforts have resulted in a high percentage of their coffees consistently scoring 86 points or higher on the SCA scale, with an increasing number of lots achieving 90+ ratings.

Qima’s impact is perhaps most visible through its collaboration with the Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE) for the 'Best of Yemen' auctions. These events have provided a global platform for Yemeni farmers to showcase their harvests, with winning lots frequently setting record prices. By facilitating these auctions, Qima has helped bring international recognition to previously overlooked regions and individual farmers, fostering a direct connection between producers and roasters worldwide.

Social responsibility is integrated into the company's operational structure, with a pledge to donate 10% of annual profits to the Qima Foundation. This foundation supports various education and agricultural projects aimed at improving the long-term livelihoods of the farming communities within their supply chain. This commitment to social impact, combined with their technical expertise, has positioned Qima as a leader in sustainable coffee development.

Since its inception, the company has expanded its footprint beyond Yemen, establishing operations in Colombia in 2020 and Ecuador in 2022. This evolution from a single-origin exporter to a multi-origin sourcing business reflects their broader mission to pioneer innovation-led value creation. By applying the same rigorous standards of traceability, genetic verification, and equitable pricing across these new origins, Qima continues to influence how specialty coffee is sourced and valued on a global scale.

Today, Qima stands as a prominent example of how a private enterprise can integrate scientific research, supply chain transparency, and social advocacy to revitalize a struggling origin. Their work has not only elevated the profile of Yemeni coffee but has also provided a blueprint for how roasters and producers can build more equitable, quality-focused partnerships in the modern coffee industry.