Thanksgiving Coffee Company
ActiveOverview
Thanksgiving Coffee Company is an artisan coffee roaster based in Fort Bragg, California, specializing in specialty coffees sourced from family farm cooperatives with a focus on fair trade and sustainability. Founded in 1972, it emphasizes shade-grown, bird-friendly coffees and operates as a Certified B Corporation. The company offers cause-related coffees supporting specific communities and has received awards including Roast Magazine's 2017 Macro Roaster of the Year and Good Food Awards.
History
Thanksgiving Coffee Company was founded in 1972 by Paul Katzeff in Fort Bragg, California, as an artisan roaster committed to ethical sourcing. Over 50 years, it has built partnerships with family farm cooperatives, promoted habitat preservation through bird-friendly certifications, and expanded into cause coffees. Key milestones include winning Roast Magazine's 2017 Macro Roaster of the Year after 45 years in business and achieving B Corp certification.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kona Blend (Hawaiian coffee blend) | Premium island-style blend | $20 - $30 |
| French Roast (Dark roast) | Bold, smoky dark roast | $15 - $25 |
| Cerulean Warbler (Bird-friendly single origin) | Conservation-focused specialty | $18 - $28 |
| Cause Coffees (Themed community support) | Purpose-driven blends | $16 - $26 |
| Wild Grounds (Wildlife cause coffee) | Light roast for animal welfare | $17 - $27 |
Manufacturing
Coffee is artisan roasted in-house at the company's facility in Fort Bragg, California. Green beans are sourced globally from cooperatives emphasizing sustainable practices. Roasting follows small-batch methods to maintain quality control.
Notable Products
- Kona Blend - Blend featuring Kona coffee notes of fruit and chocolate.
- French Roast - Dark roast with intense, smoky flavor profile.
- Cerulean Warbler - Shade-grown coffee supporting bird habitat preservation.
- Wild Grounds - Light roast tied to wild horse conservation efforts.
- Congo Coffee - Single-origin from Congolese cooperatives.
Reputation
Thanksgiving Coffee is regarded by enthusiasts for its ethical sourcing, sustainability focus, and B Corp status, earning praise for cause coffees and awards like 2017 Roaster of the Year. Professionals note its consistent artisan quality and community impact. Some reviews criticize certain blends, such as Cerulean Warbler, for lacking distinctive flavors and turning bitter when cooled.