The Glacier Trust and Happy Barista have joined forces to make a positive impact on the world with the launch of a special charity coffee roast. The collaboration, announced on Friday 21 February 2025, highlights the ongoing efforts of The Glacier Trust to support communities in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal, a central area for their climate adaptation work.
In a first for the UK, Happy Barista has roasted coffee beans sourced directly from Solukhumbu, showcasing the uniqueness of the region and the success of climate change adaptation methods. The limited-edition Solukhumbu Charity Roast is a symbol of the ten-year partnership between The Glacier Trust and local farmers, who have transitioned to coffee cultivation as a sustainable response to the impacts of climate change.
The Solukhumbu District, situated in the Himalayan region of Nepal and home to the world-renowned Mount Everest, has faced significant challenges due to rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and intense rainfall events. These changes have made traditional subsistence farming increasingly difficult and risky. With the support of The Glacier Trust, local farmers have adapted by growing high-quality coffee using layered agroforestry systems. This method is well suited to the changing conditions and has the potential to provide long-term economic stability.
Mark Holmes, Executive Director of The Glacier Trust, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Happy Barista to bring attention to the incredible people of Solukhumbu and the climate adaptation initiatives underway. This collaboration is about more than just exceptional coffee – it’s about supporting vulnerable communities facing the harsh realities of climate change.”
Happy Barista, a County Durham-based roaster known for ethically sourced and expertly crafted coffee, worked closely with The Glacier Trust to ensure the roast highlights the unique flavour profile of the region. Tom Bolland of Happy Barista shared his sentiments, saying, “This partnership is deeply meaningful to us. We believe coffee can be a force for good, and this project is a testament to that belief. Every cup of this roast tells a story of resilience, community, and hope.”
Proceeds from each sale of the Solukhumbu Charity Roast will directly support The Glacier Trust’s ongoing work in Nepal, including agroforestry, climate-resilient farming, water resource management, and climate education and research. These efforts are crucial in helping communities adapt to the increasing pressures of a warming planet.
Scoring an impressive 83/100 on a recent Q-grading, the Solukhumbu Charity Roast falls within the range of very good coffee. Customers can now purchase the roast through Happy Barista’s coffee pod and online store. By enjoying the rich, vibrant flavours of this roast, customers can also contribute to vital climate action efforts in Nepal.
For more information, please visit www.theglaciertrust.org or www.happybarista.com.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.