Vikram Patel, after passing the Illinois state bar and practicing law for two years, found his true calling in the world of specialty coffee. While pursuing environmental law, he spent a summer in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during harvest season, sparking a passion for coffee that would transform his career. Patel founded Benchmark Coffee Traders in 2015, leveraging his family ties in PNG to cultivate direct relationships with local producers. Benchmark quickly gained traction in the U.S. market, appealing to buyers interested in high-quality, ethically sourced coffees. The company emphasizes long-term relationships with producers and supports social and environmental projects, such as providing school supplies and clean water tanks to coffee-growing communities. Benchmark's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous post-harvest processing guidelines for their Kula line of coffees. Patel's dedication to ethical sourcing and social good drives his work, despite challenges like deceptive advertising in the specialty coffee market. Ultimately, Patel is grateful to have found his calling in specialty coffee, blending his legal background with his passion for social responsibility and high-quality products.
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