“DIBE Grant Gave Us the Boost We Needed”
“Our ICED espresso project is progressing wonderfully. We’ve just received an order for six containers from a coffee chain in the USA and additional orders from Malaysia and Vietnam, even though they have their own thriving coffee culture. Opportunities are opening up both locally in Uganda and internationally. That’s when you know you’re on the right track,” says Lars Bendix, founder of FarmMountain, Danish Coffee APS, Liplid AB, and JAHL Production Limited.
Lars Bendix continues:
“We wouldn’t have come this far without the DIBE grant and Access2innovation’s invaluable assistance. I’m thrilled that we’re now creating jobs in Uganda by refining one of their raw materials locally, instead of exporting it for processing and value addition elsewhere.”
About a year ago, Lars Bendix and FarmMountain received a DIBE grant, a financial support program under the Danida Innovation & Business Explorer scheme, provided by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The grant, amounting to 250,000 DKK, enabled Danish Coffee to undertake four essential trips to Uganda.
During these trips, they:
– Partnered with Andreas Nicolaides from Great Lakes Coffee Uganda Ltd., a seasoned expert in green coffee bean exports and the local market.
– Conducted customer analysis.
– Tested flavors, roasting methods, and pricing directly with consumers.
– Established JAHL: ICED Espresso, the entity holding the product’s license.
Creating Value While Reducing CO2
“By roasting the coffee and producing espresso on-site, we multiply the value of the raw material six- or seven-fold. This creates jobs and reduces the CO2 footprint, as the product can be shipped directly to consumers. We’ve even received support from the Ugandan government for creating local employment,” Lars Bendix explains.
The Best Iced Coffee of the Day
“Africans don’t buy a kilo of coffee to last a month. They buy the coffee they want to drink at that moment. That’s why we developed a small sachet, or Espresso Shot stick, containing just enough handcrafted barista-quality coffee for one iced coffee. Simply pour it over ice cubes, add milk, and you have a fantastic iced coffee. You can also add hot water for a quick Americano. It looks like it’s going to be a hit,” says Lars Bendix.
Initially, these coffee sachets will be sold to cafés, but Lars Bendix envisions street vendors eventually selling them, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing iced coffee while stuck in Kampala’s heat.
The coffee in these sachets is made using classic espresso machines that have been, as Lars puts it, “hacked” to ensure exceptional quality. The liquid-filled packets are patented and protected by 3D branding—a result of rigorous product development.
“We wouldn’t have come this far without Access2innovation. They know everyone worth knowing. They can spot frauds from miles away and ask the right questions to uncover them.”
As orders pour in from around the globe, new ideas are brewing in the minds of both Lars Bendix and his Ugandan partner, Andreas Nicolaides. Though they remain tight-lipped about the specifics to avoid copycats, one thing is certain: coffee will soon be served in ways you never imagined—and it will taste superb, according to Lars Bendix.
About Danish Coffee
Danish Coffee is a company that combines a passion for taste and quality with a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Its mission is to create world-class coffee experiences that benefit both people and the planet.
The company emphasizes sustainable production and recycling, actively reducing its environmental footprint. It supports coffee farmers through fair trade and development projects while fostering inclusive workplaces that offer opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Through innovative solutions and a transparent approach, Danish Coffee aims to set new industry standards. More than a coffee producer, it’s a company dedicated to shaping a better future—one cup of coffee at a time.
About DIBE
The Danida Innovation & Business Explorer (DIBE) program provides financial support to Danish companies, including start-ups, exploring business opportunities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
In 2024, 15 million DKK has been allocated to DIBE projects. The program finances up to 50% of actual costs, with a maximum of 500,000 DKK per project. Eligible projects must address specific opportunities in developing countries with a GNI below USD 3,995 per capita and where a Danish representation is present.