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Minneapolis, Minnesota · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Cafe Imports

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Cafe Imports; not a documentary photograph
IndependentRoasting arrangement unverifiedSourcing: Farm & producer level
TagsCafe ImportsMinnesota coffee roastersBrazilEthiopiaMexicoCosta RicaHondurasPeruIndependentFarm & producer level
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Cafe Imports is a leading international green coffee importer that connects specialty roasters with high-quality, ethically sourced beans from around the world. They focus on building long-term relationships with producers while providing roasters with comprehensive data, sensory profiles, and educational support. The company operates as an independent, employee-owned entity dedicated to advancing sustainability and quality across the coffee supply chain.

Ownership
Cafe Imports is an independent company that is 100% employee-owned as of September 2026.
Founded
1993
Roasting
Roasting arrangement not independently verified.
What it's known for
Cafe Imports is a prominent global importer of specialty green coffee, widely recognized for its commitment to transparency, detailed traceability, and extensive educational resources for roasters.
Sourcing countries
Brazil · Ethiopia · Mexico · Costa Rica · Honduras · Peru
Farm-level sourcing
The company prioritizes deep supply chain transparency, frequently identifying specific farms, washing stations, and individual producers behind their lots. They offer both bulked regional coffees and highly traceable single-farm or single-producer lots, often providing rich media and detailed specifications for their offerings.
Notable coffees
  • — Ethiopia Single Farmer Project lots
  • — Café Femenino (Mexico)
  • — Cooperativa RAOS (Honduras)
In the news

Recent news and media coverage about Cafe Imports, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2026-10-20 · Sprudge
Cafe Imports Is Now 100% Employee Owned

Following the announcement of its transition to 100% employee ownership, industry outlets highlighted the significance of the move for one of the world's most recognizable specialty coffee importers. The shift ensures the company remains independent amidst a broader industry landscape where many traders have faced bankruptcy or acquisition.

2026-10-16 · Sprudge
Cafe Imports Legendary Coffee Exchange Is Coming To Expo

Cafe Imports announced a new format for its 'Legendary Coffee Exchange' at the upcoming SCA Expo. The importer will facilitate the exchange by collecting roaster samples at their booth and managing the distribution to paired roasters, streamlining the process for participants.

2026-09-21 · Daily Coffee News
Cafe Imports Now 100% Employee-Owned Through a Stock Plan

Minneapolis-based green coffee importer Cafe Imports has transitioned to 100% employee ownership via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Founder Andrew Miller stated the move is intended to maintain the company's independence and trajectory rather than preparing it for an outside acquisition.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-24. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. While the company lists many countries of origin, a comprehensive list of every current sourcing country is not explicitly provided in a single static document due to their daily updated inventory.

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