Our Story
Ado Coffee Co. | From the island’s heart to your hands
Everyone knows Ceylon tea. That story has been told a thousand times, and for good reason. But before tea, there was coffee. Sri Lanka once had a front-row seat in the global coffee trade. By the 1860s, we were one of the world’s top producers. Then came disease, disaster, and a quick pivot to tea. Coffee slipped out of the spotlight.
We're here to bring it back.
Two Worlds, One Question
John Munasinghe, our Chief Coffee Convert, spent his life between two worlds: Sri Lanka and Switzerland. Back home, conversations often began around a steaming cup of Ceylon tea.
But we also knew the rich, complex flavor of our own coffee, grown in highland soil, shaped by island rain, and known for its gentle sweetness and depth. There was no defined coffee culture, but the quality was undeniable.
With this heritage of high-altitude cultivation and naturally distinctive character, it occurred to us that Sri Lankan coffee could stand proudly on the world stage once again.
So we began asking ourselves:
“How do we bring Sri Lankan coffee back to the world it once impressed?”
The answer to that monumental question required a simple, grounding idea.
It wasn’t about complex logistics; it was about reconnection.
Ado Coffee began with a simple moment of connection.
One day, as we reflected on how coffee brings people together, a familiar word surfaced in conversation:
“Ado, want to get some coffee?”
That spark became our aha moment.
We realized the answer wasn’t in complicated branding; it was in that simple, genuine exchange.
In Sinhalese (අඩෝ) and Tamil (டேய்),
“Ado” is a casual call, much like saying “hey you.”
It’s affectionate, sometimes blunt, always real.
For us, “Ado” captured everything we wanted our coffee to be:
genuine, unpretentious, and rooted in the shared warmth of the island.
Made in Sri Lanka Start to Finish
Our mission to restore Sri Lankan coffee’s legacy required a commitment: Ado Coffee Co. must be made here, start to finish.
We source single-origin Arabica and Robusta, drawn from the island’s prime highland regions: Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, Badulla, Kegalle, and Kurunegala.
The beans are grown, processed, roasted, and packed entirely on the island. We take immense pride in our local supply chain. No shortcuts and no rerouting.
Sourced & Grown
High-elevation farms and distinct microclimates shape a bright, balanced cup with true island character.
Locally Roasted
Small-batch roasting that respects development, sweetness, and clarity in every profile.
Proudly Produced
Grown, processed, roasted, and packed on the island for a transparent journey from farm to cup.
Our Partners in Quality
To deliver consistency and excellence, we rely on the best local expertise. For our whole bean edition, we’ve partnered with Montado Coffee Company, a team of artisans who roast with patience, precision, and deep respect for the bean.
For our ready-to-brew drip packs, we work with CupInHand.
This is coffee that travels well, fits seamlessly into your routine, and still carries the uncompromising roots of the island. It’s the ultimate expression of our shared connection.
A Second Chance, Brewed Right
Why We Exist
Sri Lankan coffee missed its moment once. But that doesn’t mean it should stay in the past.
We believe in second chances, especially when something is this outrageously good. We’re just getting started, and frankly, we’re having a great time.
Building the Legacy
No, we’re not on every shelf. We’re not clogging up every cafe. But that’s the point. We’re building this slowly, carefully, and with intention. We like being the best-kept secret for now.
You’re not just buying a bag of coffee; you’re signing up for a mission to restore a legacy. You’re for someone who loves a genuine origin story. One rooted in community, quality, and shared history. Or if you simply want a genuinely good cup without the fuss, then congratulations, you found us!
Welcome to Ado Coffee Co.
"Knowing your why, how, and what gives you clarity, purpose, and direction." — Simon Sinek
For Ado Coffee Co., that philosophy means staying absolutely true to where we come from, how we work, and who we serve. Our vision is built on three clear promises:
Why: Our Purpose
We are here to bring Sri Lankan coffee into the global conversation, not as a novelty, but as something honest, rooted, and full of character that commands respect.
(This pillar covers our ethical standards and community focus.)
How: Process
We are dedicated to our communities and our craft. We aim to give back with good intentions, and through clear decisions on sustainable sourcing, mindful scale, and how we grow.
What: Direction
Our direction is simple; to offer you the ultimate expression of the island’s coffee. That means staying committed to quality, transparency, and genuine connection with everyone who shares our journey.
For us, that means staying true to where we come from, how we work, and who we serve.