Lacas Coffee Company

Founded in Philadelphia in 1921, Lacas Coffee Company stands as one of the oldest independent coffee roasters in the United States. The company has evolved from its early roots into a multifaceted roasting operation currently headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Throughout its century-long history, the firm has remained focused on the production of coffee for diverse commercial channels, including restaurants, hotels, specialty coffee shops, and retail distributors.

The company’s operational philosophy centers on the procurement of new-crop Arabica beans, which are sourced from family-owned plantations globally. To maintain quality control, Lacas employs a rigorous internal evaluation process, requiring that green coffee samples undergo a cupping procedure—often involving up to six samples—before purchase. This evaluation is conducted by an internal panel that includes expertise from both Q-graders and C-graders certified by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).

Lacas Coffee manages a broad portfolio of brands, which expanded significantly in 2013 with the acquisition of Dallis Bros. Coffee and Gramercy Park Coffee. These additions allowed the company to diversify its market presence, offering both proprietary blends and specialty, small-batch craft options. Beyond its own labels, the company provides private-label services, assisting clients with custom roasting programs, recipe matching, and the development of single-serve or ready-to-drink beverage solutions.

Sustainability and certification play a notable role in the company’s sourcing and manufacturing standards. Lacas offers a variety of coffees that carry third-party certifications, including Organic (certified by the Organic Crop Improvement Association), Fair Trade (certified by The Fair Trade Alliance), and Rainforest Alliance certification. The company also maintains Kosher certification through Star-K and adheres to FDA food safety regulations within its roasting facility.

Regarding production, the company emphasizes a 'just-in-time' roasting model to ensure freshness for its commercial partners. While the company maintains consistent flavor profiles for its blends, it does not publicly disclose specific country-of-origin details for these products, citing seasonality and the protection of proprietary blending recipes. Decaffeinated offerings are processed using the Swiss Water Process or other industry-standard methods.

Today, the company continues to operate as a privately held entity, balancing its historical legacy with modern manufacturing requirements. By serving as both a direct-to-consumer brand and a wholesale supplier, Lacas Coffee Company maintains a significant footprint in the U.S. coffee industry, focusing on the intersection of traditional roasting techniques and large-scale commercial distribution.