MALONGO'S HISTORY AND BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY

History

Here is a little bit of history about how Malongo started ! It actually started quite a long time aso in 1934 in a small coffee roasting shop in the rural area of Nice! Indeed, the small family firm rapidly grew with a daily torrefaction increasing considerably after the Second World War. Bicycles were replaced by vans, which enabled the company to deliver the coffee beyond Nice and to extend its sales to southeast France in Marseille, Toulon and Aubagne. At that time, the dynamic and devoted family business is famous for four products: l'Express, the Goût Italien (Italian taste), the Goût Français (French taste) and Decaffeinated coffee in its respectively green, purple, yellow and pink packagings.

Hugo Rombouts purchased the company in 1968, which is a turning point for the homegrown company: Malongo products became available through the hotel and restaurant industry.

In the 1980s, coffee prices were high, however Malongo kept introducing packaging and product innovations with stable prices. As a result, the company has been awarded two worldwide Packaging Oscars in the 1980s and 1990s for its Pure Origin and Grande Reserve varieties.

1992 is the year of the pioneering commitment of the company to environmental sustainability! Malongo became the first coffee-roasting house to start cooperating with Fair Trade. This decision guarantees long-term investment and engagement regarding working conditions and sustainable commercial production without compromising on the environment.

In 1995, Malongo launched the first Young Coffee Professional Contest that reinforces its presence in the catering segment. It also shows the company initiatives in terms of professional training.

In 1996 Malongo designed the internationally famous 123 Spresso, a unique concept of machines is born. Malongo opened its first boutiques in Nice and Cannes.

In 2000, Malongo is recognized and respected for the quality of its products. The growing popularity is closely linked to the marketing models and unique corporate culture of the company!

In 2006, Malongo created the new factory; a unique company site in the nearby commune of La Gaude built with the latest environmental standards.

Since 2007, the Malongo Foundation is strongly supporting projects in healthcare, the protection of children and similar social issues.

In 2012, a new packaging was developed in cooperation between the Walki Group and Malongo. They introduced a novel way to pack high-quality coffee pods using environmentally sustainable and recyclable materials.

Business Philosophy 

Malongo coffee company owes its success to its commitment to quality, initiative, lasting development and responsibility. Quality is indeed the main pillar of Malongo philosophy! After a careful selection of experts, the traditional progressive coffee roasting method is used and beans are roasted slowly to produce a rich and subtle aromatic coffee. Experts are travelling in the hope of discovering new varieties coffees and selecting only the best Arabica beans in specific countries (Mexico, Africa, Indonesia)

As we saw, during the last ten years, Malongo has been promoting an economic model for sustainable development. Malongo’s environmental awareness applies to the entire coffee production process starting at the coffee plantation to your final cup! Since 1992, the development of Fair Trade policies for coffee producers ensures the respect for the men and women growing the plants and also that child labor is minimized. The development of green coffee purchase policies also implies the use mainly recyclable materials for Malongo machines and pods.

Malongo focuses on whatever can improve customer experience and satisfaction and its share equitable commerce continues to grow. Fair Trade coffee products represent 43% of their purchases. The French specialist in luxury coffee holds the leading position organic coffees remains the FIRST Fair Trade company in France! 

Sources: 

http://www.malongo.com/societe/notrehistoire-malongolhistoiredunesociete.php?page=35 

http://allomalongo.wordpress.com/business-philosophy/ 

http://www.walki.com/web/sp?open&cid=ContentF37AB (Press release)

1 http://life.equiphotel.com/site/GB/Visit/Exhibitors_list_2012/Zoom_Exposant_2012,I6133,Z oom-fa43a37ada4968ad19ace274fdee04d2.htm

A-L.D