uniqueBean - A heartfelt wish becomes a reality

To mark the 50th anniversary of Thermoplan AG and the new unique building, we launched the uniqueBean social project. As a family business, it is important to us to give something back to society and help those who do not have the same opportunities as we do.

The passion for coffee

We are passionate about coffee, we love and live coffee. That's why coffee is the focus of this project. It therefore made sense for us to choose Ethiopia as the target country for our project, as it is considered the country of origin of coffee. Ethiopia is also one of the world's most important coffee-growing countries.

We are supported in this project by Caritas Switzerland, which has been involved in various projects in Ethiopia since 1974. Thanks to their help, our heart's desire quickly became a reality.

Our vision

Our vision is to empower families and communities in the Bale region through sustainable coffee farming by providing them with various sources of income and ensuring a solid livelihood. In doing so, we want to use our many years of experience to bring about long-term positive changes in the lives of these people.

In addition, we strive to use our know-how in various projects in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. By creating training opportunities, we want to counteract the high level of youth unemployment and offer new prospects.

Our projects in the Bale region

Resilience package: Supporting families and households in terms of food security through vegetable gardens, chicken farming and composting.

Income & nature: Promotion of business models and sources of income in harmony with the ecosystem. For example, through beekeeping (honey, wax, plant diversity) or additional income from coffee waste (charcoal from coffee husks, coffee tea)

Sustainable coffee cultivation: sustainable management of coffee plantations, search for coffee buyers who value sustainability, system for monitoring and tracing coffee

Harenna Forest Coffee Branding: Improve the visibility and market access of Harenna Forest coffee, develop own brand

Our projects in Addis Ababa

Coffee Hub: Supporting unemployed young people on their way to becoming coffee entrepreneurs, creating training and education opportunities, supporting start-ups

Coffee Union (& roastery): Local and store with products from the Harenna Forest, own roasteries for sale to cafés in Ethiopia

Innovation and cooperation: Improvement of the market system through coffee market platform, Bale Coffee Forum, co-determination of laws and regulations, Thermoplan Innovation Award