Ask the Producer - Ana Luiza from Mio

 

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

I don’t know if I can say that the farm was founded at any point, the first piece of land was bought by my great-grandfather in 1911 and it grew bit by bit since then. We could say that the UK version of Mió was founded in September 2020 and the inspiration came from the desire of, as producers, getting more control of the supply chain and expanding our traceability all the way to the roasters door.

What's your favourite part about working at the Roastery?

For me it is very personal, it is the chance to work with my family. My father and mother are the owners of the farm, my husband is the designer for our brand, so it is pretty much all within family. The day to day ends up being very pleasant. We were also lucky to find some great people to join the team. So I am lucky enough to say that people are the best part of my day.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

Mió, as an international company, is very recent. But I guess being able to establish ourselves as a business in the UK in the midst of a pandemic should be seen as a great accomplishment, right? We have been very well accepted in the coffee community and it has been great so far.

What three words best describe your Roastery?

If it is about myself: Charismatic – Frank - Anxious.
If it is about Mió: Transparent – Joyful - Committed.

What’s your favourite place to enjoy a coffee, and what coffee would that be?

I think the favourite place would be either at the farm in the early morning with the birds singing around or in a busy London street enjoying a latte on my way to work, very different from each other, but this represents my life really well. My favourite coffee, though, would probably not be enjoyed on neither of this places, I love exploring new flavours in coffee and I think my kitchen at home is the best place for that. Right now I would say a light body Ethiopian coffee in an Aeropress brew.

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

An Italian Greyhound in a fez.