World of Coffee 2025

Building Customer Loyalty; Lessons From Scaling Nairobi's First Specialty Coffee Subscription Service (Room Room V)

27 Jun 25
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Speaker(s): Wanjru Mari
Despite being the vibrant capital of a coffee-producing country, Nairobi’s specialty coffee market a tough nut to crack; limited demand, a hesitant consumer base, and deep-rooted challenges.  This session draws on the journey of a woman-owned business that launched Nairobi’s first specialty coffee subscription, providing actionable insights for navigating similar obstacles. Discover how to create offerings that connect with local consumers, build demand in an emerging market, and harness the power of community and storytelling. Learn the unique challenges of growing a specialty coffee market and the surprising parallels—and differences—between roasters at origin and other markets. We’ll also unpack the game-changing potential of subscription services: how to position, grow, and engage a loyal customer base using tech to streamline operations, build trust, and turn casual drinkers into devoted brand advocates. Gain insights on bridging the gap between consumers and producers, and learn how to thrive in markets with untapped potential.