La Colombe Coffee Roasters, also known as La Colombe Torrefaction, is a US-based coffee roaster and retailer founded in 1994 by Todd Carmichael and Jean Philippe Iberti. The company originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has since expanded to various locations across the United States. La Colombe operates cafes in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Chicago, and distributes its products through grocery stores, restaurants, and its e-commerce platform, lacolombe.com.

La Colombe Coffee Roasters is known for its ethically sourced and high-quality coffee beans, which are obtained through direct relationships with coffee farmers and cooperatives. The company is committed to sustainable practices and fair trade principles, ensuring that farmers receive equitable compensation for their work. This commitment is exemplified by La Colombe’s partnership with the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which resulted in a new line of coffee called “LYON” in 2011. Proceeds from this product support environmental conservation projects and global sustainability.

Products

In addition to traditional coffee offerings, La Colombe has become an innovator in the coffee industry through its research and development efforts. One of its most notable innovations is the Draft Latte, a ready-to-drink canned coffee beverage that replicates the taste and texture of a frothy latte, launched in 2015. The Draft Latte quickly gained popularity, propelling the company to the forefront of the ready-to-drink coffee market. La Colombe’s product line also includes cold brew, ground coffee, whole bean coffee, and seasonal blends.

Funding Rounds

La Colombe Coffee Roasters has received several funding rounds over the years, with the first occurring in 1996, totaling $500,000 in equity. The company experienced significant growth in the following years, attracting the interest of investors. In August 2015, La Colombe secured $28.5 million in Series B funding, led by Goode Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer-focused companies. This investment allowed the company to expand its distribution and product offerings further.

The company’s most significant funding round occurred in July 2016, with a $50 million investment from Chobani yogurt founder, Hamdi Ulukaya. This Series C round saw Ulukaya acquire a minority stake in La Colombe and join the company’s board. The investment aimed to fuel the growth of La Colombe’s retail presence and support the expansion of its ready-to-drink product line.

Acquisitions

La Colombe has been involved in a few notable acquisitions to strengthen its presence in the coffee industry. In 2014, the company acquired Seattle-based coffee roaster and retailer, Cafe Grumpy, to expand its footprint in the Pacific Northwest. In 2015, La Colombe purchased the majority of the assets of Mayorga Coffee, a Maryland-based coffee roaster, further expanding its reach in the US market.

Partnerships

The company has entered into several strategic partnerships to enhance its products and business operations. In addition to the collaboration with the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, La Colombe partnered with MillerCoors in 2018 to develop a new line of coffee-infused alcoholic beverages. This partnership aimed to capitalize on the growing trend of coffee-flavored alcohol products and expand La Colombe’s brand presence.

Award and Recognition

La Colombe’s commitment to quality and innovation has garnered recognition from various industry awards and accolades. The company received the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) Best New Product award in 2016 for its Draft Latte. In 2018, La Colombe’s founder Todd Carmichael was honored with the Specialty Coffee Association’s Sustainability Award for his efforts to promote sustainable practices within the coffee industry. Furthermore, the company’s cafes have been consistently recognized for their excellence in design, customer experience, and product offerings. Several La Colombe locations have been featured in “best of” lists by renowned publications such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Eater.

La Colombe’s dedication to social responsibility extends beyond its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. The company has established partnerships with various charitable organizations to give back to the communities it serves. In 2012, La Colombe partnered with the Clinton Foundation and Haiti Coffee Academy to support the revitalization of the Haitian coffee industry. This partnership aimed to provide training, resources, and infrastructure improvements to help Haitian coffee farmers increase their productivity and income.

Additionally, La Colombe has worked with organizations such as The Water Project and the National Park Foundation to support environmental conservation and clean water initiatives. The company’s commitment to social responsibility is exemplified by its efforts to provide coffee for disaster relief efforts, support local community organizations, and donate a portion of its proceeds to non-profit organizations.

La Colombe’s success in the coffee industry can be attributed to its unwavering dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. By sourcing its coffee beans ethically, investing in research and development, and creating new products like the Draft Latte, the company has gained a loyal following and established itself as a leader in the coffee market. With its strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and continued expansion, La Colombe is well-positioned for future growth and success in the competitive coffee landscape.