NEXTY Award winner Wize Monkey is creating a market for a commodity that was typically considered a waste product of coffee production.

It’s not exactly coffee and it’s not exactly tea. Wize Monkey’s coffee leaf tea is made from coffee plant leaves that are steeped like tea for a smooth and unique warm beverage experience that has piqued the interest of coffee and tea drinkers alike. The leaves of the coffee plant are typically discarded, but by creating a use for them, Wize Monkey is generating year-round employment for coffee farmers, reducing seasonal migration for work and mitigating hunger for their families. The company’s end goal is to boost the GDP of coffee-producing countries with this innovative gourmet beverage.

Here, cofounder Max Rivest explains the history of coffee leaf tea and the socioeconomic benefits the company hopes to bring to its farmer communities.

About the Author(s)

Jessie Shafer, RD

Director of Influence & Health Education, New Hope Network

Jessie Shafer, RD, is New Hope Network's director of influence and health education. In this role, Jessie curates opportunities and appropriate partnerships for New Hope's health and wellness influencer audience, as well as health practitioner and nutrition expert audience. Jessie is a Northwestern University graduate, registered dietitian, and long-time health journalist, having worked for more than 17 years at four major publishing houses on consumer-facing health brands, including Meredith Corporation and August Home Publishing and holding the role of editor-in-chief of Delicious Living for four years. Jessie and her husband relocated from Iowa to Colorado in 2015 where they enjoy riding their bike, hiking in the mountains and being mom to a cute and curious toddler. 

Bill Giebler

Content & Insights Director, Nutrition Business Journal

An award-winning writer and natural products industry veteran—with decades of experience in food and supplement retail, lifestyle mail order and organic textiles product development—Nutrition Business Journal Content & Insights Director Bill Giebler reports on dietary supplements and food and agricultural trends and opportunities across New Hope Network properties.

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