Rwanda Bean
Rwanda Bean is a Portland, Maine-based craft coffee roaster that small-batch roasts single-origin Rwandan Bourbon Arabica beans and sells them via DTC subscriptions, wholesale (BlueCart), and local delivery, returning 50% of profits to Rwandan farming communities for healthcare, education, and childcare.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersPortland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Rwanda Bean does
Rwanda Bean Company LLC, doing business as Rwanda Bean, is a Portland, Maine-based craft coffee roaster founded in 2013 by Mike Mwenedata. The company sources single-origin Bourbon Arabica beans from Rwandan cooperatives — most centrally the Women's Coffee Extension at Mbizi — and small-batch roasts them at its Thompson's Point roastery. Its product line spans five roast tiers (Blonde, Medium, Dark, Espresso, Decaf), each branded with a Kinyarwanda name, plus tasting packs, a 1/2 Caff blend, subscriptions (1-bag to 30-lb bulk), 3-month gift subscriptions, gift cards, branded apparel, and a Health Insurance donation product. The operating model is roastery-only: the company has no retail storefronts, runs subscription pickup and local Portland delivery from its roastery, and ships US-wide via USPS Priority Mail.
The commercial engine combines a direct-to-consumer subscription ecommerce site (rwandabean.com) with a B2B wholesale program managed through the BlueCart platform, serving a handful of named Portland-area accounts (Rambler Cafe, LB Kitchen, Canopy Hotel) and a cause-marketing partnership with Best Buddies Maine via the Friendship Blend product. Pricing is tiered from roughly $15.61/week for a 1-bag subscription up to $361.79/week for 30-lb bulk (35% discount), with a pay-as-you-go billing cadence and free local delivery in select Portland-area zip codes.
Rwanda Bean operates a distinctive social-impact model that returns 50% of profits to Rwandan farming communities — funding health insurance, education, childcare, and 2x farm-gate pricing — and has reported funding 1,200+ farmers' annual healthcare coverage, $20,000+ toward the Gisagara Daycare and Elementary School serving 125 children, and $5,656 supporting 1,131 farmers' health insurance. The business is privately held, bootstrapped, with 1-10 employees, no disclosed funding rounds, and US-only distribution.
Rwanda Bean firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rwanda Bean
- Legal name
- Rwanda Bean Company LLC
- Website
- https://rwandabean.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Rwanda Bean is a Portland, Maine-based craft coffee roaster that small-batch roasts single-origin Rwandan Bourbon Arabica beans and sells them via DTC subscriptions, wholesale (BlueCart), and local delivery, returning 50% of profits to Rwandan farming communities for healthcare, education, and childcare.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rwanda Bean industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Coffee
- NAICS
- Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920), Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (31192)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080), Food And Kindred Products (2000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty Coffee & Tea (Single-Origin, Micro-lot, Premium) Processing (AFAFADAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Trading/Wholesale (AFAIAKAD)
Keywords
Where Rwanda Bean is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rwanda Bean business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Coffee Subscriptions: Recurring revenue through subscription model delivering freshly roasted coffee on scheduled basis (every 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks). Subscriptions available from 1-bag (12oz) to 30-lb bulk options. Subscribers receive 5-35% discounts depending on volume tier.
- One-Time Coffee Purchases: Individual bag purchases of single-origin Rwandan coffee in various roasts (Blonde, Medium, Dark, Espresso, Decaf) in 12oz and bulk sizes (5lb, 10lb).
- Wholesale Coffee: B2B sales to cafes, restaurants, hotels, and organizations. Managed through BlueCart wholesale platform with dedicated account management and local delivery options.
- Donations for Farmer Impact: Direct donation purchases for farmer health insurance ($5 = 1 year of coverage for one farmer). Customers can purchase donations in increments from $5 to $100.
- Gift Cards: Digital gift cards available in $10, $25, $50, $75, $100 denominations or custom amounts, with optional delivery scheduling up to one year from purchase.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | 1-Bag Coffee Subscription - 12oz weekly subscription |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | 2-Bag Coffee Subscription |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | 3-Bag Coffee Subscription with 5% discount |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | 4-Bag Coffee Subscription with 10% discount |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bulk Coffee Subscription 5 lb with 15% discount |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bulk Coffee Subscription 10 lb |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bulk Coffee Subscription 15 lb |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bulk Coffee Subscription 20 lb with 35% discount |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bulk Coffee Subscription 30 lb with 35% discount |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Half-Caff Bulk Coffee Subscription 5 lb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Coffee Tasting Trio |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Coffee Tasting Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Virunga Espresso Single Bag |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Amahoro (Peace) Decaf |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Health Insurance Donation |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Rwanda Bean product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rwanda Bean sources single-origin Rwandan Bourbon Arabica coffee beans from the Women's Coffee Extension at Mbizi cooperative, roasts them in small batches at its Portland, Maine roastery, and sells the finished coffee direct-to-consumer via an online storefront with 1-30 lb subscription plans and one-time purchases. The company also runs a BlueCart-powered wholesale program serving cafes, restaurants, hotels, and organizations, alongside a donation-based impact product that funds health insurance for Rwandan farmers. Branded merchandise (hoodies, tees, caps, beanies) and gift cards support gift-giving and brand awareness.
Product overview
Rwanda Bean operates a multi-product portfolio centered on single-origin Rwandan coffee. The core offering comprises five roast varieties of Bourbon Arabica beans (Blonde/Ikerekezo, Medium/Ikizere, Dark/Ishema, Espresso/Virunga, and Decaf/Amahoro) sold as individual bags, tasting packs (Trio and Tasting Pack), and via subscription models. Coffee Subscriptions range from 1-6 bags with tiered savings, while Bulk Coffee Subscriptions (5-30 lb) offer 35% savings for high-volume customers. The company also offers a 1/2 Caff bulk option and 3-Month Gift Subscriptions. Supporting products include the Health Insurance for a Coffee Farmer impact product, Gift Cards, and branded merchandise (Hoodie, Tee, Trucker Cap, Beanie). The Wholesale Program serves cafes and restaurants through BlueCart integration. A special collaboration product, the Rwanda Bean x Best Buddies Friendship Blend, supports Best Buddies Maine.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Single-Origin Rwandan Coffee Single-origin Rwandan coffee beans from volcanic high-elevation growing regions, featuring Bourbon Arabica varietals. Available in five roast levels — Blonde (Ikerekezo/Vision), Medium (Ikizere/Hope), Dark (Ishema/Proud), Espresso (Virunga), and Decaf (Amahoro/Peace). Roasted in small batches in Portland, Maine and sold through the company's e-commerce storefront.
- Coffee Subscriptions (1-6 bags) Recurring coffee deliveries of 1 to 6 12oz bags per shipment on 2, 4, 6, or 8 week cadences. Subscribers can customize roast and grind preferences. Savings scale with bag count — 5% off for 3 bags, 10% off for 4 bags, 12% off for 5 bags, and 15% off for 6 bags. Ships within 1-2 business days.
- Bulk Coffee Subscriptions (5-30 lb) Large-volume coffee subscriptions in 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 lb bags with up to 35% savings, customizable roast and grind options, and free local delivery for Portland-area customers. The 20 lb and 30 lb tiers are positioned for businesses, hotels, and events.
- 1/2 Caff Bulk Coffee Subscription 5 lb bulk subscription of an equal-parts blend of caffeinated and decaffeinated Rwanda Bean coffee. Offers all roast options (Blonde, Medium, Dark, Espresso, Decaf) and multiple grind styles on 1-8 week delivery cycles.
- 3-Month Gift Subscriptions Time-limited coffee gift subscriptions lasting 3 months, available in 2, 3, 4, and 5 bag configurations and a 5 lb option. Includes free local delivery, in-store pickup, or USPS shipping, and recipients can customize roast preferences.
- Coffee Tasting Trio Variety pack of three 12 oz packages covering Blonde, Medium, and Dark roast Rwandan coffee at $53.46, offering 10% savings vs individual bag purchases (approximately 36 8oz cups total, whole bean, small-batch roasted in Portland, ME).
- Coffee Tasting Pack Five 12 oz packages containing all roast varieties — Blonde, Medium, Dark, Espresso, and Decaf — totaling roughly 4 lbs. Sold at $89.10 and positioned for coffee tasting parties and gifting.
- Wholesale Coffee Program Ethically sourced wholesale coffee program for cafes, restaurants, hotels, and businesses, managed through the BlueCart platform. Offers the full range of single-origin Rwandan roasts, wholesale pricing, and delivery tracking for on-premise service.
- Health Insurance for a Coffee Farmer in Rwanda Donation-based impact product where customers contribute $5 to $100 to fund health insurance for Rwandan coffee farmers. Each $5 provides one year of coverage for one farmer; 100% of donations go directly to farmers.
- Gift Cards Digital gift cards available in $10, $25, $50, $75, and $100 denominations or custom amounts, with optional delivery date scheduling up to one year from purchase.
- Rwanda Bean x Best Buddies: Friendship Blend Special-edition medium-roast blend created in collaboration with Best Buddies Maine; a portion of each bag purchased is donated to Best Buddies, supporting friendship and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Unisex Hoodie Branded unisex hoodie (100% cotton face, 65% ring-spun cotton/35% polyester body) with front pouch pocket, self-fabric back patch, flat drawstrings, and 3-panel hood. Sizes S-3XL, priced $35-$40.
- Men's Classic Tee Branded 100% cotton t-shirt with a Sport Grey variant (90% cotton/10% polyester). Sizes S-5XL, priced $13.50-$24.00.
- Trucker Cap Embroidered trucker cap with a structured fit — 60% cotton/40% polyester front with polyester mesh back, adjustable plastic snapback, and curved visor. Multiple color options, priced at $29.00.
- Cuffed Beanie 100% Turbo Acrylic knit beanie, 12-inch length, hypoallergenic, unisex style, hand-washable. Priced at $17.05.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,200+ farmers receiving annual healthcare coverage
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Rwanda Bean
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Rwanda Bean technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature3 records
Rwanda Bean partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Best Buddies MaineflagshipCollaboration creating the Rwanda Bean x Best Buddies: Friendship Blend product. Best Buddies creates opportunities for friendship and leadership for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rwanda Bean donates to Best Buddies with each bag purchased. Partnership includes participation in Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Portland, ME on May 3, 2026.
- Women's Coffee Extension at MbizicoreThe heart of Rwanda Bean's sourcing is the Women's Coffee Extension at Mbizi, a cooperative dedicated to elevating women producers in Rwanda's specialty coffee sector. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and community empowerment is reflected in every harvest shared by Rwanda Bean.
- Elevate Through CoffeecorePartnered with initiatives led by Smayah Uwajeneza, founder of Elevate Through Coffee, whose work empowers women coffee producers across Rwanda. Through education, support, mentorship, and sustainable market access, these initiatives support communities while creating greater opportunity for the next generation of farmers in specialty coffee.
- BlueCartcoreWholesale platform provider for B2B ordering, account management, and delivery tracking. Rwanda Bean inquiries and account management for cafes, restaurants, and businesses are handled through BlueCart's platform.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Rwanda Bean competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Onyx Coffee Lab: Specialty roaster with competition-grade positioning, subscription model, and direct-trade farmer relationships. Comparable craft positioning and grower-impact narrative, though with stronger retail and competition presence.
- Counter Culture Coffee: Specialty coffee roaster with strong sustainability and direct-trade sourcing mission, multi-channel DTC + wholesale + training model. Comparable in mission-driven positioning and B2B/wholesale presence, though significantly larger scale.
- Driftaway Coffee: Mission-driven subscription coffee company with farmer-impact narrative and personal tasting profiles. Comparable subscription-first GTM, ethical sourcing storytelling, and consumer education focus.
- Heart Roasters: Portland-based specialty coffee roaster with DTC and cafe operations. Directly comparable geographic market (Portland), craft roasting approach, and specialty positioning.
- Verve Coffee Roasters: Specialty roaster with subscription DTC, retail cafes, and farmer-relationship storytelling. Comparable single-origin product positioning and brand-led storytelling approach, with stronger retail footprint.
Broad incumbents
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Established specialty coffee incumbent owned by a major beverage company with DTC, wholesale, and cafe channels. Comparable product category but vastly larger scale and capital base, serving as the dominant specialty benchmark.
- Blue Bottle Coffee: Large venture-backed specialty coffee brand with subscription, retail cafes, and wholesale. Comparable DTC subscription and single-origin specialty positioning, but with significantly greater geographic reach and capital.
Emerging players
- Atlas Coffee Club: Single-origin world-tour subscription coffee company. Comparable subscription-first DTC model and single-origin storytelling, with broader multi-country origin sourcing rather than Rwanda-exclusive focus.
- Bean Box: Subscription and gifting-focused specialty coffee company. Comparable subscription, gift card, and tasting-pack product mix, with overlap in gifting-driven customer acquisition.
- Trade Coffee: Online coffee marketplace/subscription company curating roasters for consumers. Comparable subscription DTC channel and specialty positioning, with a marketplace model rather than single-roaster focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Rwanda Bean social profiles
Digital presenceRwanda Bean financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rwanda Bean leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Rwanda Bean funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rwanda Bean M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rwanda Bean
What does Rwanda Bean do?
Rwanda Bean sources single-origin Rwandan Bourbon Arabica coffee beans from the Women's Coffee Extension at Mbizi cooperative, roasts them in small batches at its Portland, Maine roastery, and sells the finished coffee direct-to-consumer via an online storefront with 1-30 lb subscription plans and one-time purchases. The company also runs a BlueCart-powered wholesale program serving cafes, restaurants, hotels, and organizations, alongside a donation-based impact product that funds health insurance for Rwandan farmers. Branded merchandise (hoodies, tees, caps, beanies) and gift cards support gift-giving and brand awareness.
Is Rwanda Bean a public or private company?
Rwanda Bean is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Rwanda Bean founded?
Rwanda Bean was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Rwanda Bean based?
Rwanda Bean is headquartered in Portland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rwanda Bean make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Coffee Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are one-Time Coffee Purchases, wholesale Coffee, donations for Farmer Impact and gift Cards.
Who are Rwanda Bean's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Onyx Coffee Lab, Counter Culture Coffee, Driftaway Coffee, Heart Roasters and Verve Coffee Roasters. Broad incumbents are Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Blue Bottle Coffee. Emerging players are Atlas Coffee Club, Bean Box and Trade Coffee.
Does Rwanda Bean have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rwanda Bean.
What industry is Rwanda Bean in?
Rwanda Bean's product category is Specialty Coffee. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAFADAJ, Specialty Coffee & Tea (Single-Origin, Micro-lot, Premium) Processing, with a secondary code of AFAIAKAD, Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Trading/Wholesale. Its NAICS code is 311920 and its SIC code is 2080.