Meet the Maker: Amani Coffee

While enjoying your morning cup of coffee, have you stopped to consider how it got there? According to the National Coffee Association USA, there are typically ten steps between planting and brewing.

Traditionally, the farmer who did all the hard work at the beginning didn’t reap the benefits of the increasing coffee prices and adoration. However, some coffee brands are changing that. Amani Coffee is one of those bringing more visibility to the process and supporting the farmers and workers who make our daily cup of coffee possible.

Check out our recent conversation with James of Amani Coffee.

How did you get your start in coffee?

I grew up in an Italian household.  

What made you first go to the Congo?

Our partner, Claude, is a dual US-Congolese citizen.  He told us the story about farmers’ lack of ability to get products to market as a result of poor infrastructure, corrupt government, etc.  We saw this as both a business opportunity and, more importantly, an opportunity to create some good.

What made you choose the farmers of the area as your partners? How have you seen their lives and your partnership evolve?

When we met with the farmers, their overwhelming desire to create better lives compelled us to act.  Simple as that.  The joy and positivity in their souls moved us to create something that would better the lives of thousands of farmers over the coming years.  

We understood that immediate change wasn’t going to make a big difference but for 5 years, our 2200 farmers have had an above average standard of living that they have earned through their own hard work and dedication.

Why Chicago? What are your thoughts on the evolution of coffee culture in the city?

We are Chicago-based.  That’s circumstantial as a result of previous business opportunities.  It just so happens that there has been a long tail of coffee entrepreneurship in this city.  Coffee culture, like all culture, continues to evolve and create new spaces.  I’m proud of the city and our fellow entrepreneurs who are building great local businesses.

What are your favorite spots in Chicago for coffee?

Mojo Coffee in the loop is the best coffee shop in my opinion.

How do you enjoy your coffee?

I drink my coffee black.  Most mornings, I’m drinking our cold brew with collagen added to it.  Look for new Amani products (vanilla oat milk latte and coffee shandy) coming in the next few months.

Any tips for making the best cup of coffee at home? 

Great coffee starts with great, clean water.  Once you have that, a good coffee maker and the proper grind size (depending on what you’re making) will make a lot of difference.  Too fine and you’ll have bitter coffee (unless you’re making espresso).   

But most importantly, coffee is to be shared.  We’ve all been through an incredibly challenging time over the past 18 months.  I urge everyone to take a moment out of every day and be thankful for what you have, where you are, and who you’re with.  I choose to do that by sharing coffee with my family.  But whatever the medium – please do that. 

We couldn’t agree more! So take some time to enjoy a cup of coffee with those that are important to you.