Indigenous owned, managed and controlled coffee enterprise Dhuwa (pron: Dee:Wah) has launched its first three blends, now available in selected Woolworths stores.
Founder Shawn Andrews said Dhuwa was created to celebrate Indigenous people and their cultures, including the 300-plus languages they speak. Its long-term goal is to create a business that could provide training and employment to Indigenous people.
Five per cent of all Dhuwa coffee products is donated to Dreaming Future, a charity that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Andrews said: “Dhuwa is a reconciliation ecosystem in itself, from the coffee we create, the people we celebrate, and the opportunities we bring to other Indigenous people.”
Dhuwa means ‘to feel alive’ in Bidjara language.
The three blends are the result of a partnership with Griffith Bros Coffee Roasters.
“It made sense to pair the oldest culture in the world with Australia’s oldest coffee roaster to bring customers a fantastic way to kick start their day,” Andrews said.
Griffith Bros managing director Peter Patisteas said that while the partnership would make great coffee, it would also be a gateway for them to open up conversations with non-indigenous Australians.
“Coffee is a luxury that people won’t compromise on. Dhuwa was founded over a shared passion of rich traditions, great coffee and good cause. For those reasons we take this partnership very seriously,” Patisteas said.
Dhuwa is the first Indigenous- owned coffee brand available at a major supermarket shelf. Andrews said feedback from retailers has been positive.
“As the first Indigenous-owned coffee brand available at a major supermarket, it’s a good opportunity to provide broad access for people who not only enjoy a good cup of coffee, but who have an interest in a more equitable society for everyone”, said Andrews.
Dhuwa’s beans are crafted into coffee in the Wurundjeri country and are sourced from Brazil, Colombia, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The brand has three coffee ranges:
First Light - A lighter blend suitable for a filter method. Sourced from Brazil, Indonesia, India and Colombia, with toffee apple, butterscotch and cocoa flavours.
RRP: Ground coffee 250g $10; coffee beans 500g $20.
Kickstart – A medium roast blend that suits a morning latte or espresso. Sourced from Brazil, India, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, with caramel sweetness, jammy plum and chocolate notes.
RRP: Ground coffee 250g $10; coffee beans 500g $20 or 1kg $30.
Bigshot – A dark roast blend for those who enjoy a strong latte. Sourced from Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Ethiopia, delivering a milk chocolate and nutty cup with a vanilla finish.
RRP: Ground coffee 250g $10; coffee beans 500g $20 or 1kg $30.
The Dhuwa coffee range is available at selected Woolworths stores.
