french supplement INTERCOL
Coffee: From Plant to Cup
For a tasty French brand with an ethical history, look no further than Malongo.
72 July 2015
C
offee is an agricultural crop on which the fruit, before releasing its very quintessence in the cup of the person drinking it, passes through many hands blessed with an expertise perfected over 600 years. The coffee-making machine, which completes the process, must not betray the meticulous work performed right down the line. For Malongo, one of the world’s best brands in the coffee industry, it is unthinkable to handle a product of such nobility without adopting an approach at once humble and ethical. Back in 1934, the Malongo coffee legacy came into being in a small roasting shop in the heart of Nice, France. The daily roasting rapidly grew from 25 to 100 kilos and, to deliver the coffee, small vans replaced bicycles. In 1952, the firm became the Compagnie Méditerranéenne des Cafés Malongo and is currently known for its dynamism and innovation. Its quality policy makes it a specialist in the gourmet coffee segment. Its strategy – to offer quality products at fair prices. Since the 1980s, Malongo has repeatedly introduced both commercial and technological, packaging and product innovations. Able to produce 7,000 tons of coffee each year, its quality ethics and the commitment of its personnel are the key to its success. Its unique quality culture is the basis for its values: preservation of the roasted coffee, respect for the men and women growing the plants, plus
customer satisfaction. In 1995, and taking the same innovative approach, Malongo designed the 1,2,3 Spresso, a unique concept in machines and pods that it patented and which is now internationally famous. In order to be certain that its values are respected all along the chain, Malongo’s policy is to handle production itself, from start to finish. Malongo roasts all of its coffees using slow, gradual and traditional techniques including the slow “20-minute” method. Its brand offers a wide range of coffees, including both blends and single-origin types. Malongo was recognised in this field when it was awarded two worldwide Packaging Oscars for its Pure Origin and Grande Reserve varieties. Malongo is also known by baristas as the French specialist in luxury coffee and is the leading actor for fair trade coffees and bio-coffees. Malongo obtained this status in 1992 with its pioneering commitment. Malongo is the creator of vacuum packed metal cans, single-origin coffees, and the 123 Spresso coffee pod system. The company is present in the hotel and catering segments, in wholesale (large and medium-sized stores), and in exports via its Malongo Cafés, and finally via its on-line Malongo shop. International Agencies Co Ltd (Intercol) is the exclusive distributor of Malongo coffee products and machines in the Kingdom. Call 32 165-620. www.bahrainthismonth.com