Excelsa Coffee co-founders Olin Patterson (left) and Michael Mazzotta (right) stand among coffee inventory as the company works to expand the availability of climate-resilient Excelsa coffee in the United States.
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From rare coffee species to a growing movement, Excelsa Coffee is expanding its reach across the U.S. while inviting 50 pioneering roasters and cafés to help shape the future of coffee.
On October 15, 2026, Excelsa Coffee Inc. was recognized in TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 in the Food & Drink category, featured under the title "Coffee Beans for a Changing Climate."
The world wants climate-resilient coffee, and Excelsa Coffee is working to bring it to the table.
Arabica and Robusta account for approximately 99% of the coffee the world drinks, yet both face growing challenges from rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions. Research suggests that up to 50% of land currently suitable for Arabica cultivation could become unsuitable by 2050.
While most coffee lovers are familiar with Arabica and Robusta, the coffee world has more to offer. Excelsa, a lesser-known species often discussed alongside Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica, is gaining attention for its distinctive flavor profile and potential role in a changing climate.
Unlike the familiar Arabica shrub, Excelsa can grow into a tree exceeding 30 feet in height. Its growth characteristics and drought tolerance make it an exciting opportunity for farmers and the future of coffee cultivation.
"We see this as a massive opportunity to do a lot of good in the world, help out farmers, and bring a better coffee to market," said Olin Patterson, Co-founder of Excelsa Coffee, as featured in TIME.
"The US has enjoyed seeing the Acai Berry come to market in the 21st Century, given the Blue Berry's dominance for centuries. Arabica being extremely dominant in the US for centuries, Excelsa is now having its "Acai" moment," added Michael Mazzotta, Co-founder of Excelsa Coffee.
Bringing Excelsa to America, One Cup at a Time
Over the last five years, Excelsa Coffee Inc. has been on a mission to introduce more Americans to a coffee species that many have never heard of, let alone tasted.
Today, the company sells Excelsa coffee online to customers in 49 of the 50 U.S. states. Let's go, North Dakota!
But the mission doesn't stop with individual coffee drinkers.
Excelsa Coffee now supplies green, unroasted coffee beans to more than two dozen cafés and roasting partners, helping specialty coffee businesses bring something entirely different to their customers.
The company is also investing in the future of Excelsa cultivation.
Through its research and development initiatives, showcased at www.ExcelsaCoffee.org, Excelsa Coffee shares knowledge from its farm in Nicaragua to help farmers and industry professionals explore best practices for growing the species.
In 2026, the company also established a larger facility and farm in the Philippines to help support anticipated demand for Excelsa, particularly in the United States.
For the founders, growing Excelsa isn't just about selling more coffee. It's about supporting farmers, exploring new possibilities, and making exceptional coffee accessible to more people.
The Next Chapter of Coffee Starts With the First 50
The future of coffee is being written. Be among the first to shape it.
Through its Founding 50 initiative, Excelsa Coffee is inviting a select group of 50 U.S. cafés and roasters to become early pioneers in introducing Excelsa to their communities.
Founding partners receive access to resources including roasting and brewing guidance, educational materials, marketing support, and early access to selected harvests.
The initiative goes beyond supplying coffee. It's about empowering independent roasters and cafés to differentiate their offerings, explore new possibilities, and help shape the future of specialty coffee.
Excelsa Coffee believes the next chapter of the industry won't be written by one company alone. It will be shaped by the farmers, roasters, cafés, and curious coffee lovers willing to try something new.
A Future Built Together
For Excelsa Coffee, being recognized by TIME is an exciting milestone, but the journey is just getting started.
And along the way, the team is having a lot of fun.
For decades, many coffee drinkers have known little beyond Arabica and Robusta. That's changing.
Today's coffee lovers are increasingly curious about where their coffee comes from, how it's grown, how it's processed, and what makes one cup different from another.
Excelsa is giving them something new to discover.
Through continued agricultural investment, education, and partnerships with specialty coffee businesses, Excelsa Coffee hopes to introduce this remarkable species to more communities while contributing to a more resilient and diverse coffee industry.
Be among the first 50 to bring Excelsa to your community.
For wholesale inquiries and information about the Founding 50 initiative, visit: https://excelsacoffee.com/pages/wholesale
About Excelsa Coffee Inc.
Excelsa Coffee Inc. is a U.S.-based coffee company dedicated to reintroducing Excelsa, a rare, climate-resilient coffee species, to the specialty coffee market. Through importing, wholesale distribution, agricultural research, and educational initiatives, the company works to bring exceptional Excelsa coffee to consumers while supporting farmers and the future of coffee cultivation.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored content provided by Excelsa Coffee Inc. Michael Mazzotta, co-founder of Excelsa Coffee Inc., is also the founder of AiNews.com.
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