“Qima Coffee” and “The Gentlemen Baristas” collaborate to reshape the Yemeni coffee industry
A groundbreaking collaboration between Qima Coffee and The Gentlemen Baristas is transforming the specialty coffee landscape, bringing Yemen’s prized coffee heritage to global prominence. This partnership builds on Qima Coffee’s innovative approach to direct trade and sustainable practices, alongside The Gentlemen Baristas’ celebrated legacy of London’s coffee culture.
Founded in 2016 by Faris Sheibani, Qima Coffee has worked tirelessly to reframe Yemen’s narrative from a war-torn country to a producer of some of the world’s most sought-after coffees. Known for their earthy, fruity flavors and balanced acidity, Yemeni coffees fetch premium prices, with the top lot at the Best of Yemen 2024 auction reaching $1,159 per kilogram. Despite this success, Yemen’s coffee industry continues to face significant challenges, including smuggling, outdated infrastructure, and economic instability exacerbated by years of conflict.
Qima Coffee has made substantial strides to support Yemeni farmers, working with non-profits to develop infrastructure such as the country’s first major coffee nursery and a 43,000 sq ft processing center. These initiatives have benefited over 1,500 smallholder farmers, who, on average, earn 400% above standard market rates for their crops.
The partnership with The Gentlemen Baristas represents another milestone for Qima Coffee’s mission. The London-based specialty coffee group, which faced financial challenges earlier in 2024, has been revitalized under Qima’s parent company, Origins 1450. The acquisition includes a state-of-the-art 12,000 sq ft roastery in Stratford, equipped with training facilities, a UK Barista Championship practice area, and an SCA-specification school. The Gentlemen Baristas’ iconic café near Borough Market also continues to operate, preserving its role as a hub for coffee enthusiasts.
This collaboration strengthens the fully integrated “seed-to-cup” supply chain model, reducing intermediaries and enhancing transparency while ensuring higher payments for farmers. According to World Coffee Portal, this model underscores the potential of equitable trade to reshape the specialty coffee industry.
Yemen’s coffee heritage dates back to the 15th century when it became the first country to cultivate coffee for consumption. Although it now accounts for less than 0.5% of global coffee production, Yemen’s unique soil and traditional farming methods produce some of the world’s most exceptional coffee. Qima Coffee has also expanded its operations to Colombia and Ecuador, showcasing rare and exclusive coffees globally through partnerships with over 800 specialty roasters in 40 countries.
The Gentlemen Baristas, known for their nod to London’s historic coffee houses, maintain their distinct identity while embracing the future through this collaboration. Their wholesale business has been rebranded as The Jampot Coffee Company, paying homage to London’s first coffeehouse, The Jamaica Winehouse, which opened in 1652.
This partnership exemplifies how a shared vision can create meaningful change in the coffee industry. By blending Yemen’s rich history with cutting-edge trade practices, Qima Coffee and The Gentlemen Baristas are not only preserving traditions but also setting new standards for quality, transparency, and sustainability.
