Our 70+ Year Heritage
LegacySips tells a story of generations, a journey deeply rooted in the rich volcanic soils of Kenya, cultivating exceptional coffee and tea with passionate and equitable techniques, wholesome ingredients, and a warm heritage.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Kenya's Highlands
Our founders represent generations of coffee and tea cultivation experience and a deep commitment to Kenyan heritage.
Our Legacy: Lineage Meets Innovation
Founding Generations
In Kenya’s highlands, volcanic soils and cool elevations created ideal conditions for tea and coffee. During the 1950s, long-standing colonial cultivation restrictions were lifted, allowing African farmers to grow these crops and participate more fully in the sector.
1952
Founding Generations
In Kenya’s highlands, volcanic soils and cool elevations created ideal conditions for tea and coffee. During the 1950s, long-standing colonial cultivation restrictions were lifted, allowing African farmers to grow these crops and participate more fully in the sector.
Expanding Horizons
Following independence in 1963, smallholder farming accelerated across Central Kenya. Cooperative societies expanded, enabling farmers to access shared processing infrastructure, engage more directly with global markets, and improve household incomes.
1963
Expanding Horizons
Following independence in 1963, smallholder farming accelerated across Central Kenya. Cooperative societies expanded, enabling farmers to access shared processing infrastructure, engage more directly with global markets, and improve household incomes.
Years of Strain
By the late 1980s, prolonged global price volatility — intensified by the collapse of international coffee quotas — sharply reduced farmer returns. Many growers uprooted crops or left farming as confidence in the market declined.
1985
Years of Strain
By the late 1980s, prolonged global price volatility — intensified by the collapse of international coffee quotas — sharply reduced farmer returns. Many growers uprooted crops or left farming as confidence in the market declined.
Renewed Commitment
Today, renewed global demand for traceable, origin-driven products has sparked reinvestment across Kenya’s tea and coffee sectors. LegacySips builds on this resurgence — sourcing directly from family and partner farms committed to quality, transparency, and long-term stewardship. We are proud to help bring Kenya’s premium coffee and tea to the world.
2024
Renewed Commitment
Today, renewed global demand for traceable, origin-driven products has sparked reinvestment across Kenya’s tea and coffee sectors. LegacySips builds on this resurgence — sourcing directly from family and partner farms committed to quality, transparency, and long-term stewardship. We are proud to help bring Kenya’s premium coffee and tea to the world.
Our Vision
To bring premium tea and coffee to the world claw back some of the financial benefits that have over time shifted away from the Kenyan farmer and towards the retailer and other middlemen in the value chain.
Taste our legacy in every sip — Join us on this journey to redefine what it means to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Experience the difference that our Kenyan heritage, sustainability, and passion makes.
Meet Our Founders
As third-generation members of the founding Mbugua family, we carry forward a legacy rooted in Kenya's highlands — now expressed across Nairobi, Copenhagen, and San Diego.
Mbugua Karanja
Mbugua leads LegacySips’ U.S. operations from San Diego. With a background in technology, strategy, and business transformation, he focuses on expanding global market access while preserving the family’s agricultural roots in Kenya.
Ian Mbugua Cemann
Ian is based in Copenhagen, from where he extends the family’s legacy into European markets. His experience in international media and brand strategy enables him to connect Kenyan highland agriculture to new audiences abroad while building modern, growth-focused partnerships.
Kariuki Karanja
Kariuki operates from Nairobi and anchors LegacySips at origin. A lawyer with a background in policy and regional advisory work across East Africa, he ensures disciplined coordination between farms, cooperatives, and global partners.