So many people contribute to every process of the coffee industry, but here are a few stand-outs. These are growers, roasters, baristas & business leaders that have helped shape the modern coffee world.

Alfred Peet: 

Known as the "father of specialty coffee," Alfred Peet founded Peet's Coffee & Tea in Berkeley, California, in 1966. His commitment to sourcing high-quality beans and roasting them to perfection laid the foundation for the specialty coffee movement in the United States.

Howard Schultz: 

Howard Schultz is the former CEO and chairman of Starbucks, one of the world's largest and most iconic coffeehouse chains. Schultz played a pivotal role in transforming Starbucks from a small regional chain into a global powerhouse, shaping modern coffee culture along the way.

Ernesto Illy:

 Ernesto Illy was an Italian entrepreneur and the patriarch of the Illy coffee brand. Under his leadership, Illycaffè became renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in coffee production.

James Freeman: 

James Freeman is the founder of Blue Bottle Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and retailer known for its dedication to freshness, precision, and minimalism. Blue Bottle has gained a cult following for its meticulously sourced beans and precise brewing techniques.

Tim Wendelboe: 

Tim Wendelboe is a Norwegian barista, roaster, and coffee producer who won the World Barista Championship in 2004. He is celebrated for his meticulous approach to sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee, as well as his advocacy for sustainability and transparency in the coffee industry.

Rao Abdul Jalil: 

Rao Abdul Jalil, often referred to as "The Coffee Godfather," is a pioneer in the specialty coffee industry, particularly in Ethiopia. He played a crucial role in promoting Ethiopian coffee globally and establishing the country's reputation as a top coffee producer.

George Howell: 

George Howell is a prominent figure in the specialty coffee scene and the founder of George Howell Coffee. He is renowned for his expertise in coffee sourcing, roasting, and brewing, as well as his advocacy for ethical and sustainable practices in the industry.

Hacienda La Esmeralda (Panama): 

This coffee farm is famous for producing Geisha coffee, one of the most sought-after and expensive coffee varieties in the world. Hacienda La Esmeralda has won numerous awards for its Geisha beans, which are known for their floral aromas, complex flavors, and exceptional cup quality.

Finca Deborah (Panama): 

Another renowned coffee farm in Panama, Finca Deborah is known for its commitment to organic farming practices and producing unique, high-scoring coffee beans. Like Hacienda La Esmeralda, Finca Deborah specializes in Geisha coffee and has gained recognition among coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

Daterra Coffee (Brazil): 

Daterra is one of the largest and most innovative coffee farms in Brazil, known for its dedication to sustainability, quality, and innovation. The farm produces a wide range of coffee varieties, including Bourbon, Catuai, and Mundo Novo, and has won numerous awards for its exceptional beans.

Fazenda Primavera (Brazil): 

Fazenda Primavera is a family-owned coffee farm located in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil. It is known for producing high-quality specialty coffee beans with distinctive flavors and profiles. The farm prioritizes sustainable farming practices and has earned recognition for its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (Ethiopia): 

This cooperative represents thousands of smallholder coffee farmers in the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia, known for producing some of the finest Arabica coffee beans in the world. The cooperative's members cultivate heirloom varieties of coffee trees at high altitudes, resulting in beans with vibrant acidity, floral aromas, and fruity flavors.