In June 2016, Sprudge reported from the second annual Saveur du Kivu in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, an event founded by Higher Grounds owner Chris Treter to bring coffee producers, buyers, roasters, and other organizations together around the revitalization of the country’s specialty coffee industry. The three-day event combined a cupping competition, buyer meetings, training, and industry collaboration while confronting the difficult realities facing Congolese coffee farmers, including violence, corruption, limited market access, and years of underinvestment.

The feature highlights Chris and Higher Grounds’ belief that rebuilding Congo’s coffee sector requires more than purchasing a handful of exceptional coffees. Through Saveur du Kivu, the goal was to develop lasting market relationships, strengthen local coffee knowledge and infrastructure, and create an industry capable of delivering greater value to producers over the long term. Sprudge also recounts Chris’ participation in the previous year’s Run Across Congo, which raised awareness for gender equality while drawing international attention to the people and potential behind Congolese coffee.