About Us
At Uai Coffee, we believe that every cup tells a story - one of tradition, passion, and quality. Our journey begins in the lush coffee farms of Brazil, where our family has been cultivating exceptional coffee for generations. From the careful selection of beans to our award-winning specialty roasts, we are dedicated to delivering coffee that is as rich in flavor as it is in heritage.
But Uai Coffee is more than just great beans. We are a one-stop shop for specialty coffee and high-quality brewing gear, helping coffee lovers and businesses craft the perfect brew. Whether you’re a home barista or a professional, we provide the expertise, equipment, and beans you need to elevate your coffee experience.
Uai Meaning
“Uai” (pronounced why) is more than just a word—it’s a feeling, a connection, and a symbol of Brazilian hospitality, warmth, and authenticity. A signature expression of Minas Gerais, Brazil’s coffee heartland, “Uai” can mean surprise, agreement, or even a friendly invitation—much like the Canadian “Eh”. Just as “Eh” brings Canadians together in conversation, “Uai” reflects the welcoming, laid-back spirit of Minas Gerais, where coffee is more than a drink—it’s a way of life.
“Uai… are you ready to elevate your coffee game?”
Sustainability
At Uai Coffee, sustainability isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of life. From our family-run farms in Brazil to our roastery in Canada, we take every step to ensure that our coffee has a positive impact on the planet.
Our beans are grown using sustainable farming methods that protect soil health, conserve natural resources, and promote biodiversity. Beyond farming, nearly one-third of our land is preserved in its natural habitat, safeguarding native forests and wildlife.
We take this commitment even further at our roastery, which runs on renewable energy, reducing our carbon footprint while delivering the highest quality coffee. Our packaging is made from a single recyclable material, ensuring that every bag can be disposed of responsibly.
By choosing Uai Coffee, you’re not just enjoying award-winning specialty coffee—you’re supporting a more sustainable, ethical, and environmentally responsible future for coffee.
Our Team
Our passion for coffee starts with the people behind it. Flavio Menezes, founder and CEO, leads the company with a vision to bring family-grown, award-winning Brazilian coffee to coffee lovers in Canada and beyond. His dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation has helped Uai Coffee grow into a trusted name in specialty coffee.
From the heart of Brazil, Jose Maria, Deyvid Oliveira, and Danielle Oliveira carry forward a family legacy of coffee farming that spans generations. As expert producers, they cultivate and process some of the finest coffees from Cerrado Mineiro, ensuring every bean meets the highest standards. Deyvid, a Q Grader and coffee expert, plays a key role in quality control, fermentation innovation, and farm management, while Jose Maria and Danielle oversee operations, keeping their farms at the forefront of specialty coffee production. Together, their shared expertise, passion, and commitment to sustainability make Uai Coffee more than just a brand—it’s a connection between tradition, innovation, and exceptional coffee experiences.
Fair & Direct Trade
At Uai Coffee, great coffee starts with great relationships—beginning with our own family farms in Brazil. As producers ourselves, we understand the dedication it takes to grow exceptional coffee, which is why we are committed to Fair & Direct Trade. We work closely with farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation while maintaining exceptional quality, traceability, and ethical sourcing.
By choosing Uai Coffee, you’re not just enjoying award-winning specialty coffee—you’re supporting family farmers, fostering sustainability, and helping to build a more equitable and thriving coffee industry for generations to come.
KW Coffee Collective
Our Roastery
Built in a historical building from 1926, KW Coffee Collective is Ontario’s first shared coffee roasting facility, situated in Kitchener, a vibrant hub of innovation and technology. Founded by Ron Donaldson, this unique co-roasting space provides access to top-tier roasting equipment, a coffee lab, and educational resources, fostering an inclusive community for specialty coffee enthusiasts. Committed to sustainability, KW Coffee Collective incorporates eco-friendly practices such as utilizing solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint.
At Uai Coffee, we are proud to be part of this community. This collaboration allows us to learn from fellow coffee enthusiasts, share resources, and elevate our company to new heights. Access to state-of-the-art roasting equipment, educational workshops, and a supportive environment helps us continue to deliver exceptional coffee to our customers. Together, we are building a stronger, more innovative coffee community.
D’Barbosa Coffee
D'Barbosa Coffee is a family-owned Brazilian company based in the prestigious Cerrado Mineiro Region, the world's first Designation of Origin for coffee. Founded in 1980 by Danilo Barbosa and his father, Jairo Barbosa de Paula, the company has evolved from a small farm into a global leader in specialty coffees. Their commitment to excellence, blending tradition with innovation, earned them the title of Brazilian Champions of the Cup of Excellence in 2021.
With 983 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation and over 1,000 hectares preserved for environmental conservation, D'Barbosa Coffee is deeply committed to sustainability. They utilize cutting-edge technologies to produce exceptional coffees while ensuring a balance between production and environmental stewardship.
D'Barbosa Coffee is passionate about quality and authenticity, sharing their love for coffee with the world and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Awards
2021
1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, Expocaccer Champions
1st place Carpec, 1st place CAPECA
1st place and 3rd place Cerrado Mineiro
3rd place Aroma
CUP OF EXCELLENCE CHAMPION 2021
2022
2nd place Carmoccer
3rd place Expocaccer
3rd place COCAMIG
Finalist Cerrado Mineiro
Finalist CUP OF EXCELLENCE
2023
1st place Expocaccer
3rd place Carmocer
2nd place and 3rd place CarpecFinalist
Florada PremiadaFinalist Emater
9th place CUP OF EXCELLENCE
Finalist Cerrado Mineiro
2024
1st place Cup of Excellence