The African connection & Coffee

Born in the beautiful African island of Mauritius to parents of Chinese descent, Maurice grew up embracing the rich blend of cultures – African, Chinese, European and Indian - that surrounded him. Little did he know that his travels would take him across sub-Saharan Africa and lead him to an extraordinary discovery years later.

In 1972, during his very first visit to Kenya, he stumbled upon something truly captivating - the abundance of high-quality coffee. Its aroma permeated the air, leaving an indelible impression on his senses. However, life took him on a different path, and he soon left Mauritius in 1976 to explore greater opportunities in Canada. Sadly, African coffee became a forgotten memory.

 

Fast forward nearly 50 years later, confined in Singapore due to the international travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, memories of those countless conversations Maurice had with people across Africa resurfaced. He vividly recalled the challenges African farmers faced in exporting their beautiful products to markets in Europe and Asia. An inexplicable desire to make a difference ignited within him, a passion to bridge the gap between Africa and Asia.

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Birth of Latanier

Africa produces some of the finest coffee in the world. However, the lack of direct access to Asian markets hindered their success. Maurice and his family had a vision to change that.

In October 2021, driven by their ardent desire to support African coffee farmers and connect them with Asian consumers, Greg and Maurice decided to start their own company "Latanier," after the majestic palm tree endemic to Mauritius. The name symbolises the fusion of their Chinese heritage with the African roots they hold dear, all brought together through the precious medium of coffee – an agricultural product that finds its origins in Ethiopia, Africa.

They set their sights on Rwanda, a country renowned for its exquisite Arabica Bourbon coffee. Through their East African contacts, they learned of the pride Rwandans took in their coffee, and it was clear that this was a place where they could make a significant impact.

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Latanier's way of doing business

Latanier is a sourcing company focussed on high quality green coffee from interesting origins.

They endeavour to establish strong relationships with coffee farmers from whom Latanier sources coffee beans.

In April 2022, Greg travelled to Rwanda to immerse himself in the culture and to start contacts with the families who owned the coffee farms, with the intention of forging long-term partnerships.

Greg aims to regularly visit the partner farmers.Both Greg and Maurice recognise the need of supporting to improve the quality and consistency of the coffee produced. Thus, they are partnering with the family farms supplying Latanier, providing them with resources, ability, and training to enhance their farming practices.

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Latanier's target market

Latanier sells to roasters in Asia, shipping from a climate-controlled warehouse in Singapore. They can also source high quality coffees for clients who wish and able to import directly from their partner farmers (FOB).

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Focus on People

To create a direct connection between the farmers and the consumers, Latanier aims to use digital means to share the stories of each farm, the meticulous processes involved in cultivating the coffee beans, and the passion behind every cup. This not only enables Asian consumers to appreciate the rich history and efforts of these African farmers but also empowers them to make a positive impact by choosing ethically sourced coffee.

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Latanier's ultimate vision is to see the inspiring impact of this initiative as it propels African and Asian coffee farmers towards success and recognition. Through our efforts, they will gain access to previously unattainable markets, opening doors to new opportunities. Ultimately, it is the shared love for coffee that harmoniously unites people from different continents, forging a mutually beneficial partnership that uplifts lives and bridges continents.

 

Latanier's mission is to drive economic growth in African and Asian communities by supporting coffee farmers with sustainable livelihoods, while also honouring and celebrating their rich cultural heritage.

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The reliable supplier to SMEs and Home roasters

Latanier serves as a dependable supplier to small/medium size professional roasters and home roasters, addressing the difficulties they face in sourcing quality green beans in small quantity, Latanier supplies small quantities, starting with lots of  ten kgs to professional roasters and one kg of green beans to home roasters. Its ambition is to be the reliable supplier of specialty green coffee directly sourced from carefully selected family owned farms  from a few select countries.