Peace Coffee

What Peace Coffee does

Peace Coffee is a Minneapolis-headquartered organic and fair trade coffee roaster founded in 1996, operating as Peace Coffee LLC under Public Benefit Corporation (B Corp) structure with 101-250 employees. The company sources exclusively certified organic and fair trade coffee directly from at least 8 named farmer cooperatives across Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia (including CENFROCAFE, COSURCA, Manos Campesinas, Kokowagayo, COMUCAP, PANGOA, Fero, SCFCU, and Palmas del Paramo), which supply signature blends (Birchwood, Black Squirrel, Twin Cities, Tree Hugger, Morning Glory, French Roast, Blue Ox), single origins (Ethiopia, Guatemala, Peru, Colombia), seasonal rotations (Pollinator, Nocturnal, Party Animal), and decaffeinated options. Recent product expansion includes EcoPods home-compostable single-serve pods and Nespresso Original-compatible espresso capsules, positioning the company in the single-serve brewing category alongside traditional whole bean and ground formats.

The business operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and wholesale model. DTC revenue flows through peacecoffee.com (Shopify-powered) with a subscription program offering 15% recurring discounts across flexible delivery frequencies, augmented by digital gift cards, brewing equipment (French Press, Chemex, Hario V60, Baratza Encore Grinder, Toddy cold brew, Airscape Canister, Escali scale), apparel (hoodies, tees, socks, hats), and paid education classes. Wholesale distribution reaches 11+ named retail partners including Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts, Hy-Vee, and regional Midwest chains, plus cafes, restaurants, and offices; Twin Cities accounts are served by an in-house bike delivery fleet. Pricing is unit-based at $18 per 12oz bag, $80.75 per 5lb bag, and $13 per 10-capsule espresso box, with subscriptions and promotional codes (NEWSUB40 for 40% off first order, JULYXMAS for $20 off 5lb) driving acquisition. The company is privately held and founder-controlled, with no disclosed parent or institutional investors, and raised a modest $1.4M Series 4 round on 2025-07-09.

Marketing emphasizes the 30-year organic/fair trade heritage, B Corp certification (Best for the World honoree 2018, 2019, 2021), queer-owned identity, and farmer partnership storytelling. Channels include content marketing (brew guides, recipes, farmer partner stories), organic social (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), email with first-order incentives, and point-of-sale presence across grocery retail. The company has received industry recognition including Growler Best Local Coffee Roaster (2017, 2019), Civil Eats Most Sustainable Coffee Business (2016), and Fair World Project Most Ethical Coffee Companies (2014), and was recognized as one of the Most Ethical Companies in America in 2025. The technology stack is conventional (Shopify e-commerce, standard roasting operations) with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities or proprietary software beyond the EcoPods compostable pod format.

Name

Peace Coffee

Legal name

Peace Coffee LLC

Website

https://peacecoffee.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Peace Coffee is a Minneapolis-based organic and fair trade coffee roaster founded in 1996, selling whole bean, ground, EcoPods, and Nespresso-compatible espresso capsules direct-to-consumer via peacecoffee.com and through wholesale partnerships with national grocers, regional retailers, cafes, and offices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Coffee

NAICS

Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920)

SIC

Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Coffee & Tea Retail (Beans, Leaves, Accessories) (CRAHAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Single-Serve Coffee (Pods, Capsules) (CRADAHAH)

Keywords

• Specialty coffee roaster
• Organic fair trade coffee
• Coffee subscription service
• Wholesale coffee distribution
• Compostable coffee pods

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Coffee Sales: Direct-to-consumer online sales of whole bean, ground, and pod coffee products through peacecoffee.com. Products sold in 12oz, 20oz, and 5lb packages with one-time purchase or subscription options.
2. Coffee Subscriptions: Recurring subscription model offering 15% savings with flexible delivery schedules (every 2, 3, 4, 6 weeks, or 1, 2, 3 months). Subscribers also receive 40% off first order with code NEWSUB40.
3. Wholesale Distribution: Wholesale coffee sales to grocers, cafes, restaurants, and offices nationwide. Serves as an integral channel for retail presence beyond direct e-commerce.
4. Gifts & Gear: Sale of brewing equipment (French Press, Hario V60, Chemex, Baratza grinder, Toddy cold brew), wearable merchandise (hoodies, t-shirts, socks), gift cards, and coffee education classes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Peace Coffee is a Minneapolis-based coffee roaster that sources, roasts, and sells certified organic and fair trade coffee under its own brand. Its core product is whole bean and ground coffee in multiple roast profiles and formats (12oz/20oz/5lb bags, compostable EcoPods, Nespresso-compatible espresso capsules), sold through a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store with a Subscribe & Save program, and through wholesale distribution to grocers, cafes, restaurants, and offices nationwide.

Product overview

Peace Coffee is an organic and fair trade coffee company headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, offering a comprehensive coffee portfolio alongside complementary products and services. The core product offering centers on whole bean and ground coffees available in multiple roast profiles (light, medium, dark) and formats (bags in 12oz/20oz/5lb sizes, EcoPods compostable pods, espresso capsules for Nespresso machines, and subscription services). Coffee offerings include single origins (Ethiopia, Guatemala, Peru, Colombia), signature blends (Birchwood, Black Squirrel, Twin Cities, Tree Hugger, Morning Glory, French Roast, Blue Ox), seasonal rotations (Pollinator, Nocturnal, Party Animal), and decaffeinated options. The company extends its brand into apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, socks, hats), brewing equipment (French Press, Chemex, Hario V60, Baratza grinder, Toddy cold brew system), gift cards, and educational classes (Mastering Coffee at Home, Mastering Espresso at Home). The company emphasizes organic and fair trade certification, climate-friendly practices, and direct relationships with farmer cooperatives globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Whole Bean and Ground Coffee Certified organic and fair trade coffee in multiple roast profiles and package sizes (12oz, 20oz, 5lb), available as whole bean or pre-ground in standard, fine (espresso), coarse (Chemex/commercial drip), and extra coarse (Toddy) grinds. Sold direct-to-consumer and through wholesale grocery and foodservice partners for daily brewing.
• EcoPods Compostable Single-Serve Coffee Pods Home-compostable single-serve coffee pods made from 100% renewable, non-GMO materials without plastic, aluminum, BPA, PFAS, PFOA, or heavy metals, certified by BPI and CMA for commercial composting. Available in Birchwood Blend and Tree Hugger Blend varieties for home brewing convenience without plastic waste.
• Nespresso-Compatible Espresso Capsules Organic and fair trade espresso capsules compatible with Nespresso Original line machines (not Vertuo), sold in 10-capsule boxes and bundle packs. Available in Birchwood Blend (intensity 9) and Morning Glory Blend (intensity 5) for convenience-focused espresso drinkers.
• Coffee Bundles Curated multi-bag coffee bundles including Dark Horse Coffee Bundle, Happy Medium Coffee Bundle, Farmer Partner Coffee Bundle, Light Roast Half-Caff Duo, All Decaf Duo, Dark Roast Half-Caff Duo, and Earth Lover Duo, designed for gifting and for customers wanting to explore multiple roast profiles.
• Coffee Subscription Service Recurring coffee delivery subscription offering 15% savings on every order, flexible delivery frequencies (every 2, 3, 4, or 6 weeks, or 1, 2, or 3 months), 40% off first order with code NEWSUB40, and a Seasonal Coffee Subscription that rotates with new seasonal offerings.
• Brewing Equipment Retail brewing equipment and accessories including 34 oz French Press, Hario V60 Ceramic Cone, Chemex 6 Cup, Baratza Encore conical burr grinder, Toddy Cold Brew Maker, Airscape airtight coffee canister, Escali Primo digital scale, and replacement filters/carafes, sold for home coffee brewing enthusiasts.
• Online Gift Cards Digital gift cards in fixed denominations of $10, $25, $50, $100, $150, and $200, redeemable on peacecoffee.com but not applicable to existing subscription orders.
• Apparel and Merchandise

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000+ customers with 4.9/5 star average rating
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CENFROCAFE (Central Fronteriza del Norte de Cafetaleros)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeruvian farmer cooperative supplying beans for Black Squirrel espresso blend. Direct trade relationship with small-scale coffee farmers ensuring fair trade premiums and sustainable farming practices.
• COSURCA (Cooperativa del Sur del Cauca)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerColombian farmer cooperative supplying beans for Black Squirrel espresso blend. Partnership ensures fair trade certification and direct relationships with farmers.
• Manos Campesinas (APECAFORM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGuatemalan association of small organic Mayan coffee producers. Source for Guatemala single origin dark roast, ensuring fair prices and sustainable practices.
• KokowagayocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSumatran cooperative supplying beans for Twin Cities signature blend. Provides unique regional coffee profile with rustic, earthy characteristics.
• COMUCAPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHonduran women-led cooperative supplying beans for Twin Cities signature blend. Supports women farmers through fair trade partnerships.
• PANGOAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeruvian farmer cooperative supplying beans for Birchwood Blend Espresso Capsules.
• Fero CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEthiopian cooperative supplying beans for Morning Glory Blend Espresso Capsules.
• Palmas del Paramo CoopcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeruvian cooperative supplying beans for Pollinator seasonal blend, adding soft almond sweetness and buttery body.
• SCFCU (Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEthiopian cooperative union supplying natural process beans for Pollinator seasonal blend with strawberry-vanilla and fruit notes.
• MN ACLUminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSocial impact partnership supporting civil liberties. Featured in customer communications as a cause-aligned organization that customers can support through purchasing.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationE-commerce platform powering peacecoffee.com online store. Enables product catalog, shopping cart, subscriptions, and payment processing.
• NespressocoreTechnology or IntegrationProduct compatibility partnership. Peace Coffee espresso capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original line machines (not Vertuo), enabling convenience for existing Nespresso users.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Portland-based specialty coffee roaster (owned by Peet's/Emmi) known for direct trade sourcing, wholesale distribution to cafes and grocery, and DTC subscriptions — a direct competitor in the premium organic/fair-trade roasted coffee space.
• Counter Culture Coffee: Durham, NC-based specialty roaster with a strong direct trade, sustainability and education focus, selling through wholesale foodservice and DTC channels — closely matches Peace Coffee's ethical-sourcing and B-Corp-adjacent positioning.
• Equal Exchange: Worker co-op specializing in fair trade, organic coffee, tea and chocolate with grocery and foodservice wholesale plus DTC — directly comparable as a mission-driven organic/fair-trade roaster competing in similar natural and co-op grocery channels.
• Kicking Horse Coffee: Canadian fair trade and organic certified roaster with broad North American grocery distribution (including Whole Foods), wholesale and DTC — a directly comparable organic/fair-trade specialty brand at similar scale and channel mix.
• Blue Bottle Coffee: Nestlé-owned specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator with DTC subscriptions and grocery retail (Whole Foods, Target) — directly comparable on channels, though better capitalized and more cafe-led.

Broad incumbents

• Cafe du Monde / Community Coffee: Mid/south regional broad-line coffee brands with grocery distribution and DTC, serving overlapping mainstream grocery shelves — incumbents competing for the same retail facings but at lower price points.
• Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (Keurig Dr Pepper): Keurig Dr Pepper-owned mass-market coffee brand driving single-serve K-Cup distribution across grocery and office — a broad incumbent that defines the single-serve category Peace Coffee is attempting to enter with EcoPods.
• Lavazza: Italian coffee major with broad espresso and single-serve (Espresso Point, A Modo Mio, Blue) presence in US grocery and foodservice — a broad incumbent competing for premium/specialty shelf and single-serve mindshare.

Emerging players

• Bulletproof Coffee: Specialty coffee and functional beverage brand with strong DTC and grocery presence (including Whole Foods) — a niche/emerging player in the premium functional coffee segment adjacent to Peace Coffee's values-aligned positioning.
• Driftaway Coffee: Subscription-first specialty roaster with a transparency and farmer-relationship focus sold DTC — an emerging player using a similar direct-trade storytelling and subscription model to compete for the same DTC coffee customer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Peace-Coffee/26583664405
• Instagraminstagram.com/peace_coffee
• TikToktiktok.com/@peacecoffee
• Xx.com/peace_coffee

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Peace Coffee