In the latest episode of the Restrocast Podcast, hosted by Ashish Tulsian, the spotlight is on Kim Thompson, the visionary Founder and Managing Director of RAW Coffee Company. Kim’s journey from a nurse in New Zealand to steering one of Dubai’s leading specialty coffee companies is an inspiring tale of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a relentless pursuit of quality. In this exclusive interview, we unravel the captivating story behind RAW Coffee Company and delve into Kim’s insights on the UAE’s coffee industry, challenges faced, and her unique approach to building a successful business.
RAW Coffee Company, a specialty coffee roastery founded in Dubai that has an impressive 16-year legacy in the region has been leading the way in ethical and responsible business practices.
Founded in 2007 by two coffee enthusiasts, Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood, RAW not only offers premium coffee beans, but also barista training, and consultation for hospitality partners.
RAW Brands, including RAW Coffee Company, ReadyRAW, Fundamental by RAW, and Rocket Fuel, has earned several accolades, including BBC Good Food’s Homegrown Roastery UAE Winner 2022.
Can you share a bit about your journey from being a nurse in New Zealand to working in diamond mines in Australia before starting Raw Coffee Company?
Kim Thompson: I initially became a nurse to leave home and earn money. After nursing, I backpacked around India, Tibet, Nepal, and China. Later, I worked in diamond mines in Western Australia, which was one of the best jobs I ever had. I then moved to the Emirates 28 years ago with my husband, who was a pilot.
Can you share the story of how Raw Coffee Company began? How did you stumble upon starting a coffee roastery, considering your background?
Kim Thompson: It started when my family frequented the Jebel Ali Sailing Club. They needed a tender for F&B, and I didn’t want them paying for subpar food. So, I decided to run a café there, not knowing what I was getting into. Eventually, the Dubai marina was being built, and I saw an opportunity in the coffee market. We started in 2007. Everything was coming from Europe, and the local roasteries had more of an Arabic style. I thought, “It can’t be that hard,” being a bit naive. I wanted to offer fresh, quality coffee, so I spent the first 18 months dealing with compliance issues, learning the trade slowly, and focusing on sourcing high-quality beans.
What inspired you to enter the coffee industry, and why did you choose roasting?
Kim Thompson: The lack of fresh, quality coffee in the market inspired me. I felt there was a gap, and I wanted to provide a solution. Roasting seemed like a logical step, even though I was initially naive about the complexities involved. We focused on supply chain management, sourcing from farmers and cooperatives, and slowly learning the science behind roasting and coffee making. Being independent allowed us time to refine our processes, and we reinvested earnings into buying high-quality beans.
How do you see the coffee industry evolving in the UAE, and what role do you believe Raw Coffee Company plays in this evolution?
Kim Thompson: The industry has grown significantly, with 375 registered roasters in the UAE. Raw Coffee Company, while not the largest by volume, focuses on supplying high-quality, fresh coffee to independent and owner-operated businesses. We’re now expanding into bigger markets, and I believe authenticity in offering specialty coffee is becoming more mainstream.
How do you approach hiring baristas, and what qualities do you look for in them?
Kim Thompson: We look for alignment of values and personalities that fit our company culture. We often hire individuals without prior coffee knowledge based on their personalities. Currently, we have around 18 different personalities within the company.
Your plans for scaling and entering new markets sound ambitious. What’s the key to balancing growth and retaining your business values?
Kim Thompson: The challenge lies in maintaining quality and values while scaling. Our organic growth has been slow, but now, as we’re ready to expand, we’re exploring partnerships and investments that align with our vision.
For someone looking to enter the coffee business, what advice would you give regarding market understanding, competition, and business segmentation?
Kim Thompson: Understanding the market, analyzing competitors, and having a clear segmentation plan are crucial. Having a showroom or an accessible space for people to experience your product is important. Know where you fit into the market and focus on a specific segment.
Considering the growth of the coffee business globally, where do you see opportunities, and what advice would you give to someone entering the coffee business?
Kim Thompson: The market is saturated, but opportunities exist in finding your niche. Whether supplying hotels, starting a cafe chain, or exploring different market segments like cold brew or pods, it’s crucial to know where you want to fit in and focus on that area.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, and what activities contribute to your mental well-being?
Kim Thompson: I enjoy yoga, walking my rescue dog, and occasional hikes in the green areas of Dubai. Despite the challenges, I find purpose and excitement in the growth opportunities of my business. I strive to maintain a balance between work and personal life, leveraging activities that contribute positively to my mental well-being.
What keeps you excited about your business every morning, and how do you handle challenges and learning opportunities?
Kim Thompson: The opportunity for growth, the love for learning, and the thrill of facing challenges keep me excited every morning. Embracing the stage of growth and being open to learning are essential. Even when facing setbacks, maintaining a positive attitude and viewing them as learning opportunities contribute to the overall excitement.
Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey, what advice would you offer to someone entering the business world, especially in F&B?
Kim Thompson: Doing thorough homework, understanding the existing players in the market, and having a clear vision of where you want to fit in are crucial. Recognizing that challenges and failures are part of the journey, and being prepared with a budget that is likely three times the initial estimate.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans for the business, and what excites you about the potential growth?
Kim Thompson: The prospect of growth and learning excites me about the future. While acknowledging the need to relinquish some control, I am prepared for the next stage of the business. Additionally, I have other interests, such as building another house, and I am eager to explore new opportunities.
Kim Thompson’s journey from nursing to roasting coffee embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of excellence. As she continues to steer RAW Coffee Company through the dynamic landscape of the coffee industry, her insights, experiences, and commitment to quality serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Restrocast Podcast episode offers a glimpse into the life and wisdom of a coffee pioneer, reminding us that behind every cup of exceptional coffee is a story of determination, passion, and a love for the craft.
