Ethically sourced coffee takes up new residence in Drip

Ethically sourced, specialty-grade coffee is available in Dripping Springs — now, at a new location.

EDG Coffee celebrated its new trailer location in front of Dripping Springs Middle School with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 30. The ceremony was co-sponsored by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and saw chamber members, community members, friends and family in attendance.

Britt and Audrey Hancock started EDG to help improve the lives of impoverished people in developing countries through sustainable business. To empower those people and their communities, they bought a coffee farm in Nicaragua and named it Esperanza De Gloria, which means Hope of Glory.

“Some coffee companies are trying to solve corruption through direct trade, to cut out the middleman who takes advantage of the farmers,” Britt said, “But we go beyond direct trade by actually owning the farm. That way, we can pay our harvesters 48% above the national minimum wage, give them three meals a day and provide daycare for children and a place to live.”

EDG’s new location gives those living in and visiting Dripping Springs easy access to coffee that is thoughtfully and transparently sourced.

“We know how overwhelming it can be to find ethically sourced specialty-grade coffee,” said Jasmine Hancock with EDG. “The truth is that most coffee companies pick up the process after the beans have already reached the United States. This lack of accountability often results in the farmers being mistreated and underpaid.”

“Child labor, poor working conditions, and exploitation are just a few ways that corruption has entered the coffee industry,” she added. “This ribbon cutting is a celebration of new beginnings in supporting farmers and impoverished people everywhere. EDG Coffee wants to not only bring awareness to our new location but an overall awareness that the coffee you purchase can make a difference in the lives of farmers.”

EDG cultivates coffee that not only improves the lives of impoverished people but ranks in the top three percent of the world, according to third-party experts.

Hours of operation at EDG are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m at 2001 W U.S. Highway 290 in Dripping Springs. For more information, visit edgcoffee.com or follow EDG at @edgcoffee on Instagram.