ABOUT OUR STORY
Rooted in Ywangan region specialty, Lay Ywa represents a direct connection between remote smallholders and coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
Ywangan hills microclimates concentrate exquisite sugars for high-elevation specialty lots.
THE MIST-SHROUDED SHAN HIGHLANDS
In southern Shan State, the mountain peaks of Ywangan reach high into cool tropical clouds. Rich clay soil combined with dramatic day-night temperature swings provides a perfect incubator for specialty Arabica coffee. This unique terroir—shaded by jackfruit, avocado, and wild silver oak trees—produces incredibly complex flavors with signature sweet elements.
For decades, smallholders in Lay Ywa village cultivated low-yield sugarcane and traditional vegetables. Recognizing the outstanding microclimate, we united 200 local family gardens, establishing an artisan cooperative with shared high-spec processing stations. Today, Lay Ywa is celebrated around the world.
COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
ORGANIC AGROECOLOGY
Our coffee grows nested under original native trees. We avoid pesticide protocols, utilizing clean volcanic manure composting alongside forest cycle structures to maintain immaculate soils.
MICRO-BATCH PROCESSING
We verify and cup individual farmer micro-lots within our village cooperative. If a batch scores below 85 on the SCA scale, we supply targeted assistance rather than commercial mixing.
TRADITIONAL HEIRLOOM PRESERVATION
We champion authentic Arabica Typica bushes which thrive in Ywangans elevation. These old heirlooms produce complex citric clarity quite unlike modern engineered commercial varietals.
EMPOWERING MOUNTAIN SECTOR GROWERS
Our cooperative believes value belongs at the source. By paying our farmers directly and bypassing exploitative local middle traders, we ensure family farms capture over 70% of final wholesale bean prices. This direct injection has doubled incomes for local growers.
By investing profits into solar-drying raised beds, moisture meters, and organic agronomy training, we secure both standard living wages and premium specialty lots. Every bag you buy assists our farmers in securing clean drinking water and schooling for children in Shan State.
