By Christine Salins.
‘Reconciliation in a cup’ is the way Shawn Andrews likes to describe DHUWA, the new coffee brand that he has been instrumental in creating. DHUWA – pronounced “Dee:Wah” and meaning to feel alive in Bidjara language – is believed to be the first Indigenous-owned coffee brand available at a major supermarket.
Now available in selected Woolworths stores, the three delicious blends – First Light, Kickstart and Bigshot – come in recyclable packaging and are aimed at delivering “premium coffee with a conscience” to home baristas.
“As a modern Indigenous-owned, managed, and controlled business, we believe a great cup of coffee connects us as we share stories, build bonds, and nourish relationships,” says Andrews, a proud Mununjali Palawa man.
“DHUWA celebrates Indigenous people and their cultures, including the 300-plus languages they speak. It’s a reconciliation ecosystem in itself, from the coffee we create, the people we celebrate, and the opportunities we bring to other Indigenous people.
“The bigger picture behind DHUWA is to create a successful coffee enterprise that is soon able to train and employ Indigenous people and in so doing, contribute to their communities.”
DHUWA turned to one of Australia’s oldest coffee roasters to help get the project off the ground. Griffiths Bros Coffee Roasters has been producing coffee in Melbourne since 1879.
Managing director Peter Patisteas says 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,” he said.
“We know from our 140-year provenance that coffee is synonymous with conversation and community. The partnership with DHUWA has been a way for us to join in and start opening up conversations with non-Indigenous Australians.
“Feedback from retailers has been overwhelmingly 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.”
Five per cent of every DHUWA Coffee product sold in Woolworths will be donated to charity partner Dreaming Futures which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out of home care to experience Country, culture and connection.
First Light is a lighter blend perfect for people using a filter method, Kickstart is a medium roast perfect for a morning latte or an espresso, and Bigshot is a full-bodied dark roast that cuts through milk for a strong latte.
For those who love their coffee hit, this deliciously easy cake is the perfect accompaniment.
Chocolate Mud Cake
1½ cups strong black coffee (brewed ie. liquid)
250g butter
2 cups brown sugar
200g dark cooking chocolate, chopped
1½ cups plain flour
¼ cup self-raising flour
¼ cup cocoa
2 eggs
Stir coffee, butter, sugar and chocolate together in a saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves and chocolate melts. Pour into a bowl and cool to room temperature, before adding sifted dry ingredients. Mix well then add eggs, beating well.
Pour into a greased and lined 18cm x 28cm pan. Bake at 150 deg C for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan. Dust with icing sugar to serve.
