Java geniuses

This fair-trade, environmentally conscious company maintains its ethics without compromising quality

1 of 5Elana Rosenfeld puts her heart and soul into the company she's built. — Photo courtesy Kicking Horse Coffee

2 of 5Kicking Horse Coffee management staff, including owners Elana Rosenfeld, centre, and Leo Johnson, third from right. — Photo courtesy Kicking Horse Coffee

3 of 5Set in the glorious community of Invermere, Kicking Horse Coffee has an ideal location. — Photo courtesy Kicking Horse Coffee

4 of 5This is one dedicated team. — Photo courtesy Kicking Horse Coffee

5 of 5The on-site Kicking Horse Coffee cafè has knowledgeable staff members who can tell you about the beans and brewing process. — Photo courtesy Kicking Horse Coffee

‹ ›

…

Kicking Horse Coffee in Invermere is a booming business that has grown in leaps and bounds since its origin in 1996. Fifteen years later, things are still looking up for this progressive roastery and cafe, as they continue to offer top-quality, fair-trade organic blends.

Kicking Horse has a strong ethical foundation, working with groups such as the local food banks and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and supporting the Wings Over the Rockies festival. Through these and other charitable gestures, the business continually gives back to the community.

Elana Rosenfeld owns the company alongside her business partner Leo Johnson. She took the time to answer a few questions about the business and where it is headed in future.

What were some of your company's greatest successes over the past year?

Our movement into the U.S. and business on Amazon.com in the last year. Certainly our continued growth in Canada in our existing accounts; (we've had) great business in Safeway and Save-On.

Are all your coffees organic?

All organic and all fair-trade, since the beginning.

What has been your most popular blend?

Definitely our Kick Ass blend. It's a dark roast—people love it.

Where do you see Kicking Horse Coffee going in the future?

We're still growing and right now we are the number 1 organic fair-trade coffee in Canada, and we'd like to be the number 1 coffee in Canada.

What do you think contributed to your success as a business owner?

We've focused on quality and good marketing, and word of mouth is our biggest fan—so it's just been a nice organic growth and it increases every year.