http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/ex-therapist-launches-traditional-eritrean-coffee-business
Ex-Therapist Launches 'Traditional Eritrean' Coffee Business
London-born entrepreneur launches the first website selling roasted coffee made using traditional Eritrean method
23/05/2016 01:33 PM
A LONDON-born Eritrean entrepreneur has launched the first online retail store selling roasted coffee made using a traditional Eritrean method.
Robel Iyassu, 31, decided to set up Boun Beans after noticing a gap in the market for premium authentically roasted specialty African coffee.
The method, taught to him by his Eritrean mother, requires the beans to be roasted in a menkeskesh, which is a traditional roasting pan, before cooling them on a woven mat.
Iyassu, a former psychiatric therapist said: “We use the Eritrean method of roasting beans, it’s authentic and traditional so it’s very different from the way other companies roast their beans. The delicacy in this roasting method enriches the taste of the coffee because we want to offer our customers the opportunity to experience what real coffee should taste like.
"We only supply Grade 1 coffee beans to our customers – which essentially is the Michelin Star in the coffee industry.”
Boun Beans hand-roasts, grinds and delivers coffee to order which people can use in cafes or coffee machines.
Before launching the digital company Iyassul worked as an NHS psychiatric therapist for ten years and has invested a five figure sum in the start-up.
He said: “I grew up watching my mum hand roast coffee and serve it in a traditional Eritrean ceremony so this is my culture and passion. Essentially coffee is in my DNA and it was only a matter of time before I decided to offer UK consumers real coffee.”
Boun Beans sources the beans through UK resellers, and although unable to offer beans from Eritrea, he sells varieties from various countries including Ethiopia, Jamaica and Columbia. As the business grows the next step is to go to Eritrea and buy beans directly from farmers.
Received on Mon May 23 2016 - 13:25:56 EDT