At B-Enterprising, entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about creating impact. Kahawa Roots UK LTD is a shining example of this ethos. Founded by MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship students Rupal Karar and Cetric Mululu, Kahawa Roots is more than a coffee company; it’s a movement for fairness, sustainability, and transparency in the global coffee trade.
A Vision Born from Experience ☕
The idea for Kahawa Roots began with a simple but powerful observation: Kenyan smallholder farmers produce some of the world’s finest Arabica coffee, yet they often earn very little due to intermediaries and lack of traceability. Cetric, who grew up in Kenya, saw this disparity first hand. Years later, at the University of Birmingham, he met Rupal, and together they decided to change the narrative.
Their mission? To connect farmers directly with conscious consumers and UK roasters, ensuring fair prices, premium quality, and sustainable practices. Kahawa Roots owns and integrates every step of the process—from farming and processing to export and delivery—creating a transparent supply chain that empowers farmers and protects biodiversity.
The idea for Kahawa Roots began with a simple but powerful observation: Kenyan smallholder farmers produce some of the world’s finest Arabica coffee, yet they often earn very little due to intermediaries and lack of traceability. Cetric, who grew up in Kenya, saw this disparity first hand. Years later, at the University of Birmingham, he met Rupal, and together they decided to change the narrative.
Their mission? To connect farmers directly with conscious consumers and UK roasters, ensuring fair prices, premium quality, and sustainable practices. Kahawa Roots owns and integrates every step of the process—from farming and processing to export and delivery—creating a transparent supply chain that empowers farmers and protects biodiversity.
Support from B-Enterprising
"We received valuable support from the B-Enterprising team
during the early stages of Kahawa Root's development. Their
guidance helped us refine our business model, connect with
relevant networks, and access resources tailored for social
enterprises. Overall, B-Enterprising played a key role in shaping
our strategy and accelerating our progress towards launching a
mission-driven coffee business" - Rupal
Kahawa Roots received the £500 Start-Up Fund grant, as well as accessing Business Start-Up Advice.
"We received valuable support from the B-Enterprising team during the early stages of Kahawa Root's development. Their guidance helped us refine our business model, connect with relevant networks, and access resources tailored for social enterprises. Overall, B-Enterprising played a key role in shaping our strategy and accelerating our progress towards launching a mission-driven coffee business" - Rupal
Kahawa Roots received the £500 Start-Up Fund grant, as well as accessing Business Start-Up Advice.
Where They Are Now
Kahawa Roots has already established operations in Kenya, partnering with over 2,000 smallholder farmers. They’re in advanced talks with UK specialty roasters and working on certifications and a digital traceability platform to scale their impact. Their goal is clear: measurable social and environmental change, aligned with global sustainability goals.
They have also secured a place on this years UoB Elevate at The Exchange cohort, check out their profile.
Kahawa Roots has already established operations in Kenya, partnering with over 2,000 smallholder farmers. They’re in advanced talks with UK specialty roasters and working on certifications and a digital traceability platform to scale their impact. Their goal is clear: measurable social and environmental change, aligned with global sustainability goals.
They have also secured a place on this years UoB Elevate at The Exchange cohort, check out their profile.
A Brew with Purpose 🍵
No comments:
Post a Comment