BUV alumnus takes 'circular' coffee beans from Son La to Middle East

Turning the F&B services industry green, particularly in coffee products, is rapidly becoming a global standard. Many major brands worldwide are working to improve their offerings, ensuring they are not only more environmentally friendly but also maintaining a sustainable process from the coffee farm to the consumer's cup.

Vietnam, a leading coffee producer, is also part of this trend. According to a survey by Vietnam Report, 66.7% of F&B businesses believe that meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria directly impacts their competitiveness. Currently, 92.6% of F&B businesses confirm that sustainable development is a key focus of their 2024 business strategy.

Sustainable coffee production is an inevitable trend in both Vietnam and the world. Photo courtesy of Nguyen Minh Thang

For the young entrepreneur Thang, Founder of the Coffilia brand and CEO of Minh Tien Berest, his desire to run a sustainable coffee business reflects not only the responsibility of a Vietnamese brand towards the environment and society but also stems from a childhood dream: to develop sustainable coffee, create greater benefits for farmers, and elevate Son La’s Arabica coffee to the global stage.

Describing coffee as "running through his veins," Thang's love for coffee was nurtured even before he was born. Growing up, he accompanied his parents to the coffee farms in Son La. He chose to study International Business Management (IBM) at British University Vietnam (BUV) to enhance his management knowledge and take on the responsibility of his family’s coffee brand, Minh Tien Berest.

Nguyen Minh Thang (L) introduces Coffilia coffee to enthusiasts at the International Coffee Expo in China. Photo courtesy of Nguyen Minh Thang

Thanks to the knowledge of the circular economy gained at BUV, Thang realized that Vietnamese coffee is often sold in raw form, without brand recognition, with inconsistent quality, and with farming methods that are neither optimized nor sustainable. This insight further strengthened his determination to develop sustainable coffee and take Vietnamese coffee to the world. In 2019, he launched the Coffilia brand, built on the circular economy model.

At BUV, the focus on sustainability in education goes beyond just environmental concerns. The university equips students with a sustainable mindset that impacts their professional lives as well as every aspect of their personal lives, ensuring they make long-lasting contributions to the community.

"This model focuses on resource regeneration within a closed loop. By using by-products from earlier stages of production as raw materials for the next product in the ecosystem, we can reduce waste, lower disposal costs, and minimize environmental impact. This is the development trend that industries worldwide are moving towards," Thang shared.

One of Coffilia's stores on Hang Trong Street, Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Nguyen Minh Thang

At that time, choosing a new direction with limited experience, logistical challenges, and especially changing the traditional coffee production habits of local farmers was not an easy task.

However, driven by his responsibility to the community and his love for coffee, Thang was determined to stay true to his vision.

He worked tirelessly to encourage farmers and partners to reform their production practices, leading the way to become a model for sustainable coffee development in the community. He invited international experts to consult and explore practical solutions for Vietnam.

For Thang and Coffilia, revenue is not the only goal. He prioritizes the health of both coffee producers and consumers, enhancing product quality and reducing environmental impact.

All by-products and waste from Coffilia’s production are recycled: coffee husks are used to make bioplastic, which is then turned into products for household use and the F&B industry. This model has brought success and sustainability to the Coffilia brand.

After five years, Coffilia now operates three coffee shops in Hanoi and one store in Kuwait. Minh Tien Berest also owns five factories and two high-quality coffee-growing regions, with an additional coffee farm in Laos. In 2023, two batches of coffee from this farm were recognized as specialty coffee with high scores, earning recognition from international organizations.

Coffilia coffee products are showcased at the Vietnam Coffee Challenge 2024. Photo courtesy of Nguyen Minh Thang

"I feel fortunate that with the foundation and international environment at BUV, my journey to global markets has been smooth, allowing me to move faster and further. In fact, investors in the Kuwaiti market have now become partners and friends, joining me in continuing the dream of sustainable Vietnamese coffee," Thang said.

He hopes that Coffilia will make a small contribution to the development of sustainable agriculture and the service industry in Vietnam.