One Friendship
One Promise
One Mission
Our Mission
To empower Ecuadorian farmers through the direct trade of coffee.
Pioneering
We are pioneering the trade of coffee from El Oro, Ecuador, into the United States. We have begun laying the ground work for a cooperative in the region, so farmers can sell their specialty products on a global scale.
Innovating
As a student-start up, Shane built the Z Beans brand from scratch. He began our roasting career with a popcorn popper before moving to a chicken rotisserie roaster. Since, we have partnered with Phoenix Coffee Roasters, who have mastered the art of consistency.
Giving Back
We pay our farmers fair trade prices and offer 40 pounds of organic fertilizer for every 100 pounds of coffee we buy. We are equally committed to our own community in Macon, Georgia, as we have have partnered with our local Daybreak organization to create job opportunities for homeless, vulnerable, or disadvantaged individuals.
The Story
A Mercer On Mission trip during the summer of 2016 spurred an improbable friendship. Shane Buerster, a 20-year-old student at Mercer University, and Arturo Penaretta Romero, a 65-year-old Ecuadorian, set up a complex supply chain, pioneering the trade of coffee from El Oro, Ecuador, to The United States. The initial shipment of 4,000 pounds arrived on August 17, 2017.
Testimonials
Spreading the Love!
From the moment my husband and I opened the bag you could smell the sweet aroma of Z Beans. It made a beautiful cup of coffee and was absolutely delicious. You can actually taste the care, hard work and love that went into making it. Z Beans is now my favorite morning coffee! Highly recommend.
Kristen Ivy - Industrious Mother and Wife
Avid coffee drinker and Z Beans lives up to expectations! Not very dark but very smooth and tasty!
Andrew Eck - Founder - Georgia Artisans
When I opened the bag I could instantly smell the freshness and the rich quality of the beans. I purchased the whole beans with the intent to grind them fresh every morning, a ritual I enjoy! Not only does the smell fill up my kitchen instantly when ground, but the coffee tastes just as good as it smells. Rich with flavor and smoothness, I believe I have found my new favorite coffee bean company!
Diana Nikolovski - Student
I just got my package and when I opened it, I could instantly smell the richness and freshness of the coffee. I smelled it right through the sweatshirt and the tshirt you added. Thank you so much. I can't wait to brew some and taste!
Barbara West - Z Beans Loyalist
Great cup of coffee. I'm not an avid coffee drinker, but I know that a cup of Z Beans coffee tastes better to me than anything else on the market. Highly recommend.
