Sri Lanka’s coffee reawakening: The Beans Coffee Factory leads new global chapter

• A landmark showcase, a royal guest, and a UK partnership propel Sri Lankan specialty coffee onto the world stage

Sri Lanka’s coffee industry is entering a defining new chapter, fuelled by renewed cultivation, improved processing, and passionate homegrown brands determined to restore the island’s place on the global specialty coffee map. At the forefront of this resurgence stands The Beans Coffee Factory, a company committed to elevating Sri Lankan coffee, empowering rural communities, and championing a flavour profile that is both distinctive and internationally competitive.

This mission took centre stage at the Curated Coffee Showcase in Colombo, an event hosted by The Beans Coffee Factory that brought together processors, hospitality leaders, and an esteemed international delegation. The gathering represented one of the most significant milestones yet for Sri Lanka’s re-emerging coffee sector. The event was honoured by the presence of Her Royal Highness Queen Bakembisa Kuyalu Mafuta, whose attendance underscored the cultural and economic value of the movement. The highlight of the event was the signing of a landmark MOU with Smart Coffee UK, marking a major breakthrough in taking premium Sri Lankan coffee into European markets and strengthening global recognition for local producers.

Brand with purpose, roots, and national pride

The Beans Coffee Factory was established with a clear and determined ambition, to restore Sri Lanka’s coffee identity and build a brand that transforms local craftsmanship into global value. Grounded in authenticity and community upliftment, the company works directly with processors and smallholder farmers across the highlands to source 100% Sri Lankan Arabica coffee. Their approach ensures traceability, ethical partnerships, and a commitment to quality at each step.

“Our inspiration came from the belief that Sri Lanka’s coffee story deserved to be rediscovered,” the company reflects. “For generations, our farmers cultivated exceptional beans. Yet the world never fully recognised their true potential. We set out to change that through quality, consistency, and storytelling.”

This purpose-driven philosophy was central to the Curated Coffee Showcase, where guests explored the full journey from crop to cup. Attendees experienced regional flavour variations, learned about processing methods, and gained insight into the livelihoods of the farmers behind each bean. Through these encounters, The Beans Coffee Factory demonstrated its role not just as a brand, but as a custodian of Sri Lanka’s coffee heritage.

Sector on rise

Sri Lanka’s coffee sector is undergoing steady growth, supported by increased farmer participation, improved knowledge transfer, and rising global demand for traceable, ethically produced coffee. More than 2,000 smallholder farmers have expanded their coffee lands in recent years, encouraged by better market access and stronger technical support.

The company provides training to partner processors, supports quality assurance, and helps producers meet international specialty standards. These initiatives have enhanced cup quality, improved yields, and created new income opportunities aligning Sri Lanka with global expectations for transparency and ethical sourcing.

Royal recognition and a strategic UK partnership

The presence of Her Royal Highness Queen Bakembisa Kuyalu Mafuta brought exceptional prestige to the showcase, underscoring the global relevance of Sri Lanka’s coffee revival. 

The event’s central milestone was the signing of the MOU between The Beans Coffee Factory and Smart Coffee UK. This partnership opens direct pathways into European specialty markets and creates a collaborative platform for product innovation, new formats, and advanced product development.

While the partnership supports global expansion, The Beans Coffee Factory maintains a clear commitment.

Sri Lanka’s best coffee is first for Sri Lanka

International collaborations will strengthen local capabilities, introduce new product varieties, and enhance innovation, while ensuring that Sri Lankan consumers continue to enjoy the finest expressions of their own national coffee.

Distinctive and refined origin

Sri Lankan coffee offers a flavour profile shaped by high-altitude cultivation, nutrient-rich soils, and slow ripening characteristics. The result is a cup that is naturally smooth, clean, and balanced, with gentle acidity and notes of citrus, cocoa, and caramel. At The Beans Coffee Factory, these attributes are preserved through small-batch roasting and meticulous profiling. 

Each bean is handpicked, carefully processed, and roasted with intention, a craft that differentiates Sri Lankan coffee from more industrialised origins.

Guests at the showcase explored these sensory qualities through guided tastings gaining a deeper appreciation for the artisanal skill behind every cup.

Community first: Foundation of revival

The Beans Coffee Factory places community empowerment at the core of its operations. Through continuous training, quality-linked pricing, and long-term partnerships, the company ensures that farmers benefit directly from the sector’s growth. The revival is also creating opportunities for youth from processing, barista development and roasting to entrepreneurship, signalling a promising future for the industry.

Looking ahead: Sri Lanka’s next global origin

With rising international interest, strengthened farmer networks, and a historic UK partnership, Sri Lanka stands at the threshold of a new era in specialty coffee. The Beans Coffee Factory envisions the island emerging as a recognised origin celebrated for its quality, ethical practices, and rich storytelling.

The Curated Coffee Showcase marked a bold step toward that vision. With every new partnership formed, every farmer empowered, and every cup shared abroad, Sri Lanka’s coffee story continues to rise, confident, resilient, and ready for the world.