Business Details
32 Years
experience
Sustainable Green Coffee Solutions in Toronto
Founded in 1994 by two brothers in Toronto, Merchants of Green Coffee pioneered sustainable coffee supply chains rooted in environmental stewardship and ethical trade. Our triple-bottom-line approach prioritized fresh coffee, fair trade practices, and green business principles, setting industry benchmarks for transparency and quality. We developed Cafe Solar, the world's first solar-processed coffee grown through restorative farming methods that regenerate forests and reduce carbon footprints. For three decades, we collaborated with women-led cooperatives and NGOs to advance solar drying technology and Integrated Open Canopy farming systems.Our biodegradable packaging and Fresh Coffee Network ensured minimal environmental impact while delivering premium beans to discerning consumers. Though permanently closed in 2024 following the passing of co-founder Derek 'Coffee Derek' Thompson, our legacy continues through She Grows Coffee, which maintains this site as a historical archive of sustainable coffee innovation.
Services
Green Coffee Sales
Cafe Solar Program
Coffee Education
Sustainable Packaging
Forest Restoration Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30 years pioneering sustainable coffee supply chains
- World's first solar-powered coffee processing technology
- Women-led cooperative partnerships in coffee production
- Biodegradable packaging made from post-consumer materials
- Direct farmer support through transparent trade practices
Associations and certifications
- Fair Trade
- Organic
Services
Green Coffee Sales
We provided premium green coffee beans sourced from top 5% global producers, emphasizing organic certification and fair trade practices. Our supply chain ensured complete traceability while supporting sustainable farming communities. Customers received unroasted beans for optimal freshness control through local micro-roasting partnerships.
Cafe Solar Program
Our flagship initiative combined solar-powered processing with restorative agriculture. This climate-positive model used off-grid solar dryers and Integrated Open Canopy farming to regenerate forests while producing premium beans. The program empowered women cooperatives and reduced carbon emissions through innovative agricultural practices.
Coffee Education
We offered comprehensive coffee education programs covering sustainability, roasting techniques, and supply chain ethics. Our initiatives included public workshops, industry publications, and direct farmer training to promote transparent coffee production practices across global markets.
Sustainable Packaging
Our biodegradable coffee packaging used post-consumer materials with vegetable-based linings. This environmentally responsible solution eliminated plastic waste while maintaining bean freshness. The minimalist design reflected our commitment to reducing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
Forest Restoration
We pioneered forest restoration through coffee production by creating buffer zones between farms and protected areas. Our programs established migratory corridors for wildlife while improving soil health and carbon sequestration. This approach transformed traditional agriculture into ecosystem regeneration initiatives.
People
Derek Thompson
Co-Founder & CEO
Derek Thompson co-founded Merchants of Green Coffee in 1994 with his brother. A visionary environmentalist, he led sustainable coffee innovations until his passing on June 22, 2024. His legacy continues through the company's enduring commitment to ethical trade and climate action.
Questions
Why did Merchants of Green Coffee close?
The company closed permanently in 2024 following the passing of co-founder Derek Thompson, who was instrumental in driving its sustainability initiatives.
What is Cafe Solar coffee?
Cafe Solar is our flagship product featuring solar-powered processing and restorative farming methods that regenerate forests while producing premium coffee beans.
Is Merchants of Green Coffee still operating?
No, the business closed in 2024 but maintains an informational website through She Grows Coffee as a historical archive of sustainable coffee practices.
What made your coffee sustainable?
We implemented solar drying technology, forest restoration programs, and women-led cooperative partnerships to create climate-positive coffee production systems.
Who continues your sustainable coffee work?
She Grows Coffee maintains our Toronto market stall and continues promoting certified fair trade and organic coffee beans through sustainable practices.
Reviews (7)
Deborah Danniels-French
Sep 11, 2021
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Great coffee, nice people, badly run business. Slow service not good enough - EXCEPTIONALLY slow service more applicable. Sadly.
Pete Canada
Aug 08, 2021
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NOT RETURNING PHONE CALLS OR RESPONDING TO EMAILS. CAN’T PLACE ORDER ONLINE = NO SERVICE!🙁
Nina Otulakowski
Jul 26, 2021
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I love that the walk-in service is available during Covid, however ordering online for shipping is very trying and ultimately after one month I cancelled it because it had not been shipped out and messages, emails not replied. I will continue to support them in person but not ordering online. I understand during Covid times it can be very challenging. I wish them all the best
Kimberley Whitchurch
Oct 23, 2019
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A coffee house with wonderful atmosphere: a warm, loft-like space filled with light, and the delicious smell of roasting coffee. Assorted tables, comfy chairs, and a couch or two make this an ideal place to… catch up with a friend, or get some work done (free wifi). The coffee drinks- including pour-overs with a variety of bean choices- are expertly prepared. And in terms of baked goods- their plain scone is possibly the best I've ever tasted. Highly recommended.
Carolyn Goodwin
Feb 24, 2019
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Attended the Green Beans 101 yesterday and had the most amazing cup of coffee in my life! Bought some green beans and roasted/ground/brewed some coffee - so delicious and easy!
Brian Jones
Dec 09, 2018
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Went to the cafe for the first time today. Great coffee, baked goods and atmosphere. Will definitely go again.
Susan Lynn
Nov 12, 2018
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The nice open warehouse feel, warm and casual place to meet up. The only place that I buy my fresh roasted coffee for home.
