We Believe Coffee Should Be Extraordinary.

Mark Stewart was raised within an established family deeply rooted in the international coffee trade. From an early age, he was exposed to the world of coffee commerce and to the business relationships connecting producers, traders, and markets. His father was a highly respected coffee professional and prominent raw coffee-bean trader whose influence in the European coffee industry gave Mark an early and distinctive insight into the complexities of the trade.

Growing up within a family whose business was closely connected to coffee, Mark developed an early appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, commercial relationships, and the importance of creating stronger connections between coffee producers and buyers. The family enterprise subsequently developed into a successful network of 24 company-owned stores across Europe and the United States, with its headquarters and registration in the United Kingdom. The highly regarded coffee company was later acquired by Starbucks.

Following his father's passing, Mark returned to the international coffee world, traveling extensively through coffee-producing regions and working closely with farmers, exporters, manufacturers, and industry organizations. He became involved in developing models of economic sustainability for coffee farmers through work connected with the United Nations and the International Coffee Organization.

His work in sustainability and coffee quality contributed to the development of the precedent-setting Cup of Excellence program. The program established an international competition and auction platform for exceptional estate-grown coffees, creating new opportunities for specialty coffee farmers to receive recognition and substantially higher prices for their finest coffees. It played an important role in challenging the traditional commodity-price cycle and demonstrating the value of quality, traceability, and craftsmanship in specialty coffee.

Mark's dedication to elevating coffee standards has earned him some of the industry's highest honors. He was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Specialty Coffee Association of America for his contribution to raising specialty coffee quality standards and advancing the industry. In 2015, he and his father were also honored with the Better Coffee World Award, one of the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe's highest distinctions.

His academic background complements his extensive experience in business and coffee. Mark studied accounting at Arizona State University and later continued his education in Germany at RWTH Aachen University, where he earned a second master's degree in business administration.

Throughout his career, Mark has traveled extensively to coffee farms around the world, working directly with coffee-growing communities and studying ways to improve quality, sustainability, and market access. He has also contributed articles and expertise to numerous food and beverage publications and has been invited to speak at institutions including Boston University and Johnson & Wales University.

Today, Mark Stewart's career represents a lifelong connection between coffee farmers, specialty coffee professionals, and consumers. His work has helped promote the idea that exceptional coffee should be recognized not merely as a commodity, but as a carefully crafted agricultural product whose quality can create meaningful value for everyone involved—from the farmer who grows the beans to the people who roast, prepare, and enjoy the finished cup.