Rahm Roast’s proprietary rinsing solution improves coffee bean quality

Rahm Roast currently sources its beans from the same Guatemalan farm, but plans to eventually source from other regions, Cook said.

“At some point, a farm can only produce so many coffee beans while still being environmentally responsible. Otherwise, they have to start using different methods that are not as good for the soil or use different pesticides … to grow more beans. So, there is a limit … once you reach a level of success and if you want to stay single source … we would need to bring in some other farms or new regions,” Cook explained.

He added, “A lot of times that helps business because new regions bring a new clientele because people usually have their preference whether it is Ethiopian or Guatemalan, people have that one [variety] they like the most.”

Clean label coffee beans via Rahm Roast’s proprietary double rinse process

Rahm Roast’s proprietary rinsing process, developed by Founder Christina Rahm, sets the company apart in the coffee bean space. The process is an additional step to traditional washes that uses water and a proprietary solution, which results in mold-free and toxin-free beans, according to lab results.

The company features a mold-free label on its packaging, alongside low-acidity, non-GMO and single-origin labels. The mold-free and low-acidity call-outs initially placed Rahm Roast in the specialty coffee space. However, more companies are catching on to the benefits of low acidity and mold-free coffee beans, in addition to more coffee-specific certifications like bird-friendly certifications, Cook said.

The double rinse process “was the first step that we were going for, [which] was basically creating the healthiest version of a coffee. … Now you will see more coffee companies that are coming out with either mold-free coffee or low acidity coffee,” he emphasized.

One of the benefits of the double cleaning method is a cleaner taste profile that highlights the caramel, dark chocolate and earthy nuances of the bean’s flavor, Cook explained.

“You allow the actual coffee taste to come to the forefront instead,” he added.

Building brand awareness through Root Brand, De'Longhi and brick and mortar shops

Three months into Rahm Roast’s 2022 launch, the self-funded company partnered with DTC wellness platform, Root Brand, which Christina Rahm is chairman of the board and chief formulator and which has a presence in more than 80 countries.

At the time of the partnership, Root Brand was in 70 countries, and purchased more than 35,000 bags of Rahm Roast, which helped the coffee company expand to other international markets and leverage its profits to launch its own DTC platform last month.

“We have our own site [now] that delivers to the US. We are really excited about that. We offer the same pricing – but the Root Brand has been a great partner because they are in all these other countries in Europe, Canada, Mexico and Australia … [and] the logistics of setting up international sales is a lot for a startup,” Cook explained.

In addition to stocking Rahm Roast’s coffee beans in its DTC shop, the company expanding into specialty and local coffee shops and grocery stores.

“We have really been starting from the smaller local stores and I think that is where our sweet spot is and where we prefer to stay right now. Those are the areas where people are usually a little more open to paying slightly more for a premium product that is grown in a good way, it is sourced well [and] has health benefits,” Cook elaborated.

Rahm Roast also expanded its retail footprint through its partnership with De’Longhi, producer of drip coffee makers, which are available to purchase on Rahm Roast’s website. Through the partnership, De’Longhi selected three of its coffee makers that brewed the “best flavor” of Rahm Roast, Cook said.

De’Longhi also featured Rahm Roast’s coffee beans during events, offering giveaways for consumers, which provided another marketing avenue for the coffee brand.

“The [partnership] opened up our ability to go places and serve quickly to people … with a name brand behind us that people recognize … Rahm Roast is a new coffee brand … and it is not always the easiest when we go to these coffee shops or these local grocery stores, but when we can show them that we are partnering with De’Longhi, it has been a world of difference because they recognize … a leader in coffeemaker industry,” Cook said.