KEY MOMENTS OF THE LAST CENTURY

Our cooperative was founded by Kenyan farmers in 1923, selling roast and ground coffee from a shop in Vere Street, Mayfair and through mail order to British country houses. Expanding to premises in Bermondsey and Earlsfield, our coffee found its way to chic London restaurants like Scott’s, and events like Wimbledon. We expanded into retail, opening what we believe was the first branded coffee shop chain in the UK

Our business grows and we take over premises in Earlsfield and Bermondsey, as well as opening up our own chain of branded coffee houses.

By 1962, we were sourcing coffee beans from markets all over the world in a search for the very best quality and variety. So we changed our name to reflect this, and the Kenco Coffee Company was born.

Our new instant, freeze-dried coffee launches using the same beans as our roast and ground coffee. Sold in a special jar from Japan, it’s supported by two decades of iconic advertising campaigns.

Our focus on sustainability grows. In 2003 we begin working with the Rainforest Alliance, and all our coffee is certified by 2010. Our Sustainable Development coffee launches in 2004, followed by Eco Refills in 2009.

In 2014, we started the Coffee vs Gangs initiative, a long-term commitment to creating opportunities for young people in.

We continue to launch world-first instant coffees. From Millicano in 2011, the first whole bean instant; to the first instant flat white in 2017; 2019’s Ice Latte, the first ambient iced coffee; and Duo, the unique two-step premium instant.