Introduction

Every coffee company has a story — but some stories begin long before the first roast, rooted in heritage, resilience, and a mission to create change.
ITSO Coffee is one of those stories.

Founded by a Kenyan woman born and raised on a coffee farm, ITSO Coffee blends tradition, sustainability, and empowerment into every bag. From supporting women farmers to championing ethical sourcing, ITSO is more than a brand — it’s a movement.

Here’s an inside look into the journey of a woman-owned coffee company that’s brewing meaningful impact.

1. Roots in Kenya: Where the Story Begins

ITSO Coffee’s origin story begins in a part of the world where coffee is more than a crop — it’s a lifeline.

Growing up in rural Kenya, founder Caroline witnessed firsthand:

• the dedication of coffee farmers
• the backbreaking labour women put into growing and harvesting
• the challenges farmers faced in earning fair income

Coffee wasn’t just a drink — it was survival, opportunity, and community.

But despite their vital role, the women who made the coffee possible were often the least recognized.

This childhood experience would later become the inspiration behind ITSO Coffee

2. The Gap in the Coffee Industry

In global coffee markets — especially in Canada and the U.S. — women’s roles in coffee have historically been invisible.
Some facts:

• Women do 60–70% of labour on coffee farms
• But own less than 20% of land
• And receive far fewer opportunities for training, leadership, or financial decision-making

This inequity shaped ITSO’s mission:
to build a brand where women farmers are seen, valued, and empowered.

3. From Farm Roots to North America: Why ITSO Was Started

After moving to North America and working in both the corporate and entrepreneurial world, Caroline saw a major gap:

✔ Consumers wanted ethical, sustainable, transparent coffee
✔ But very few brands represented women growers
✔ Even fewer connected directly back to Kenyan communities

ITSO Coffee was created to bridge that gap — a brand with:

• Kenyan origins
• Women-led sourcing
• Fairtrade principles
• Transparent storytelling
• Fresh North American roasting

ITSO exists to honour the hands that grow the coffee and the communities where it begins.

4. What Makes ITSO Coffee Different

ITSO Coffee stands apart because its identity is rooted in heritage, ethics, and women’s empowerment.

a. Direct Support for Women Farmers

ITSO partners with women-led cooperatives and regions where women are involved in:

• harvesting
• sorting
• processing
• cooperative leadership
• training programs

Each bag uplifts women throughout the supply chain.

b. Fairtrade and Ethical Sourcing

ITSO prioritizes:

• Fairtrade-certified beans
• Pay equity
• Transparency
• Long-term relationships
• Environmental sustainability

c. Freshly Roasted in North America

To preserve Kenya’s natural flavours, ITSO roasts in small batches locally, ensuring:

• quality
• freshness
• consistency

d. Single-Origin Kenyan Coffee

Each region — Nyeri, Kipkelion, Nandi — offers a distinct taste experience.

e. A Brand Built on Purpose

ITSO isn’t just coffee — it’s:

• storytelling
• community-building
• advocacy for women farmers
• eco-conscious choices
• 5. Building Impact Through Community

ITSO Coffee’s mission goes beyond selling coffee. It includes:

• raising awareness of women in coffee
• celebrating Kenyan culture and heritage
• educating consumers on ethical sourcing
• supporting farming communities directly
• amplifying African excellence on the global stage

ITSO’s story inspires individuals to think beyond the cup and recognize the human effort behind every bean.

6. Representation Matters

For many customers, ITSO Coffee represents a powerful shift in the coffee world:

• A Black woman-owned brand
• Kenyan heritage celebrated, not hidden
• Women farmers highlighted, not overlooked
• A sustainable future built through ethical trade

Representation isn’t the goal — it’s the foundation.

7. The Future of ITSO Coffee

ITSO is still growing — but its vision is big.

Future goals include:

• expanding partnerships with more women-led cooperatives
• supporting community health initiatives
• increasing consumer education across North America
• launching more products
• scaling corporate partnerships
• amplifying sustainability commitments

ITSO Coffee’s journey is only beginning.

Conclusion

ITSO Coffee is more than a drink — it’s a tribute to heritage, a celebration of women farmers, and a commitment to ethical, sustainable trade.

Every bag carries a story:

• of Kenyan soil
• of women’s hands
• of perseverance
• of transformation

When consumers choose ITSO Coffee, they join a movement that empowers communities and drinks with purpose.

FAQ

1. What makes ITSO Coffee a women-owned brand?

ITSO Coffee was founded by a Kenyan woman and is built on a mission to uplift and support women farmers throughout the coffee supply chain.

2. How does ITSO Coffee support women in Kenya?

The brand partners with women-led cooperatives, sources beans from women farmers, and reinvests in training, leadership, and fair income opportunities for women in coffee communities.

3. Is ITSO Coffee Fairtrade?

Yes. ITSO Coffee sources Fairtrade, ethically grown beans from Kenya, ensuring transparency, fair pricing, and sustainable farming practices.

4. What makes ITSO’s coffee different from other brands?

ITSO Coffee offers single-origin, Kenyan specialty coffee roasted fresh in North America, emphasizing women’s empowerment, ethical sourcing, and exceptional flavour quality.

5. Does ITSO Coffee offer corporate or event services?

Yes. ITSO Coffee provides corporate coffee partnerships, event experiences, and catering options. Businesses can book services through the ITSO Coffee Corporate page.

For more information visit our Facebook Page.