Brands & roasters tag

Klatch Coffee

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Quick answer — what is Klatch Coffee?

Klatch Coffee is a prominent, family-owned specialty coffee roaster and retailer based in Southern California, founded in 1993. The company is widely recognized for its technical, science-driven approach to roasting and its significant influence in the competitive barista circuit, having produced multiple national and international champions.

The real story

Klatch Coffee was established in 1993 in Rancho Cucamonga, California, by Mike Perry, a former chemical engineer who transitioned his technical background into the coffee industry. The company remains a family-operated business, with Mike serving as the roastmaster and green coffee buyer, while his daughter, Heather Perry, leads the organization as CEO. This family-centric structure has been a defining characteristic of the brand since its inception, fostering a culture that emphasizes both technical precision and long-term industry relationships.

The company’s roasting philosophy is centered on what they term the "peak of flavor" method. This approach utilizes Mike Perry’s background in chemical engineering to apply a methodical, data-driven process to the roasting cycle. By treating roasting as a blend of scientific analysis and sensory artistry, the company aims to achieve consistent flavor profiles across their diverse range of single-origin coffees and signature espresso blends, such as their well-known "WBC Espresso."

Klatch Coffee has established a significant reputation within the global specialty coffee community, largely through its success in high-level competitions. Heather Perry’s career, which includes winning the United States Barista Championship and placing second in the World Barista Championships, helped cement the company’s status as a leader in coffee preparation and training. This competitive pedigree has influenced the company’s broader operations, including their extensive barista training programs and their commitment to high-quality sourcing.

Sourcing is a cornerstone of the Klatch business model, with the company actively participating in the high-end auction market. They have gained international attention for purchasing record-breaking, award-winning lots, such as the Elida Geisha 1029 from the Lamastus Family Estates in Panama. These acquisitions are often used to showcase the potential of rare varietals and processing techniques, such as anaerobic fermentation, to their customer base through limited-edition releases and ticketed tasting events.

Beyond their roasting operations, Klatch maintains a robust retail presence in Southern California. The company has expanded its footprint through strategic partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Sprouts Farmers Market to open multiple cafe locations. This growth strategy reflects a transition from a singular local roastery to a broader retail chain, while still maintaining their identity as a specialty-focused, family-run entity.

Today, the company operates as both a wholesale supplier and a direct-to-consumer retailer, offering a variety of subscription services for their single-origin, espresso, and blend collections. Their operations are supported by a dedicated roastery in Rancho Cucamonga, which serves as the hub for their quality control and production. The brand continues to balance its roots as a local cafe with its status as an internationally recognized name in the specialty coffee industry.

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