About Umi

Umi Cafe is a warm and welcoming co-operatively run, fair trade specialty coffeehouse in Ottawa's Centertown area. Since June 2008 it has served quality food, fair trade teas and coffees roasted locally and imported directly from the producers' cooperatives in the South.

Gradually building up its reputation as a unique, community-oriented business, Umi Cafe has been involved in showcasing international, local, environmental and social issues by hosting events in collaboration with local organizations and government departments. Besides promoting ethical, organic consumption, Umi Café has served as a cultural hub for the arts in Ottawa and added an element of healing and empowerment to our neighbourhood. We have showcased local, national and international musicians, poetry competitions, art exhibits, discussion groups, film nights and cultural events. We have played a leading role in initiating several community based projects such as a 1200 sq.ft. community garden, the alternative and affordable Crescent Moon Daycare and are in the process of initiating a cooperative music label & studio, owned and run by the artists themselves.

The Co-operative, Sonando Sofia Co-op Inc, manages and governs Umi Café. It is a democratic, community-owned and worker-controlled enterprise working for the constant improvement of the well-being of all individuals involved and a fair and local redistribution of its economic benefits.

As an employer, we strive to nurture a creative, fun, challenging, mutually respectful, supportive and universally diverse environment.

Umi Café also works with local suppliers and La Tierra Cooperative, local wholesale roasters and distributors of coffee and other fair trade goods. Together they provide direct market access to producer co-ops in Bolivia, Columbia, Chiapas (Mexico), Guatemala, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Sumatra, working as equal partners.
La Tierra Cooperative