What is Red Bay Coffee?
Red Bay Coffee is all about more than just great coffee. It’s a Black-owned, artisanal, direct trade coffee company based in Oakland, CA, committed to high quality and sustainability. But here’s the thing—it’s also a powerful vehicle for diversity, inclusion, social and economic restoration, and environmental sustainability. Rooted deeply in community values, Red Bay Coffee is changing the game in the specialty coffee world, making sure every cup tells a story of empowerment and equity.
Main Benefits of Red Bay Coffee
Red Bay Coffee stands out not only for its delicious brews but for its strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Here are some key facts that highlight their impact:
- B Corp score of 93.3, reflecting top-tier social and environmental standards
- Paying more than double the market price to coffee producers
- Direct and fair trade sourcing, including partnerships with women-owned cooperatives
- Hiring practices focused on inclusion—people of color, formerly incarcerated individuals, women, and people with disabilities
- Donations of coffee and venue space to schools and nonprofits
The Mission Behind the Coffee
At its core, Red Bay Coffee’s mission is about bringing beautiful coffee to the people while building a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable coffee industry. It’s not just about the drink—it’s about celebrating the craft, uplifting marginalized communities, and creating economic opportunities at every step of the coffee journey. From the farmer to the roaster to the barista, the goal is clear: coffee as a vehicle for social change, cultural expression, and community empowerment.
Production and Roasting Excellence
Roasting high-quality coffee is where Red Bay Coffee shines. Their production team works hard to bring flavorful, fresh coffee directly from their Oakland roastery to cafes and homes alike. The focus on quality roasting standards ensures that every cup delivers a rich and satisfying experience. It’s craftsmanship meets purpose, with every batch roasted to perfection.
Community-Centered Cafes
The cafes are more than just places to grab a cup—they’re hubs of community connection. Red Bay Coffee’s cafes serve up beautiful coffee and delicious food, all while embodying genuine hospitality. The culture here is vibrant and fun, centered around community and coffee. It’s a space where values come alive, and every customer feels welcomed and appreciated.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – partnering with women-owned cooperatives
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – inclusive hiring practices
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – empowering people traditionally excluded from specialty coffee
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – sustainable sourcing and farming practices
- SDG 13: Climate Action – environmental sustainability commitments
Black Ownership and Cultural Empowerment
Red Bay Coffee proudly carries the legacy of Black resilience, creativity, and community empowerment. Founded and led by artist and entrepreneur Keba Konte, the company challenges the specialty coffee industry’s status quo—an industry where Black people have historically been excluded despite their central role in coffee production worldwide. Red Bay is reclaiming space at every stage of the coffee journey—from farm to cup to boardroom—showing what true equity, ownership, and representation look like in action. It’s not just coffee; it’s a movement.
